Press Under Attack . . . Again?

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

MP Guy Joseph citing an article from a recent issue of the STAR about the island’s CBI program!

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PRESS UNDER ATTACK . . .

AGAIN? • Tel: (758) 450-0021 / 31 / 728 1000 • Fax: (758) 450-0092 • Email: info@bluewatersslu.com • Website: www.bluewatersslu.com

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MOVING VIOLATIONS M

oving is one of the most moving experiences you can ever have. It is not the same for members of the legal profession. Anytime you see their lips moving you know they’re lying. But for the rest of us, moving, especially from one house, neighbourhood or country to another, is among the top five most stressful life events you can ever experience.

To give you a sense of how traumatic it is, moving is third on the list of nerve-wracking and harrowing occurrences in life. It is not as bad as the death of a loved one or a divorce, but is worse than losing your job or suffering from a major illness or injury.

This is why the word “moving”, in addition to the physical act of changing from one place to another, also means “to have deep feelings of sadness or sympathy”. I, for one, can attest to the stress and the depth of emotions that accompany each change of domicile, residence and location, not just from one country to another, but even

within the same community.

As a little boy, I heard the word “move” often. My cousin Charles was always “pushing a move” on some young lady taken in by his looks, charm and chat, or jumping on his bicycle he would announce he was “making a move” to return to his home in a nearby village. People moved on with their lives or got a move on with their work. My mother, seeing me heading for the ravine at the back of the house, would shout, “Move from there, right now!” and my father would add the threat of licks to hasten my heeding the warning. But then, when I was eleven, we moved abruptly from the village in Central Trinidad which I knew as home to a town in the deep south of the country where I was very much alone, especially with my questions, thoughts and fears. It was the first of many moving experiences over the next sixty-three years. One day we had a home and the next we were in the small, wooden house of an elderly aunt who charitably had allowed us to live

with her. Interestingly, the event itself is a blur but the pain of losing my friends, family and comfort zone is unforgettable and lives in some deep recess of memory which I am still loath to explore.

It is not the same as the story of a man, walking in the woods, who found a suitcase which his curiosity made him open and, to his surprise, he found three little puppies in it. He called the emergency services and told them what had happened. “Well,” the operator asked, “Are they moving?”

“I don’t know,” the man replied, “But that would certainly explain the suitcase.”

In my case it is always the case. I estimate that after that traumatic first move as an eleven-year-old, I have moved about twenty-one times and am now on my twenty-second at an average of three years per major move. In fact, I’ve made more moves than Gary Kasparov and Bobby Fischer put together. If I were an Australian magnate, I would be Kerry

DETERMINED BAHAMAS STUDENTS GIVEN FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM REGIONAL BANK CIBC FIRSTCARIBBEAN

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espite many of them losing their homes and all their possessions, about twenty final-year students from the hurricane-ravaged Abacos Islands and Grand Bahama are determined to complete their studies.

Mere days after Hurricane Dorian flattened their homes and entire communities, they travelled back to Barbados to continue their studies at The University of the West Indies, Cave Hill campus, some with no more than a few personal items.

The University has embarked on an outreach programme designed to help students from the hurricaneravaged communities with financing for basic necessities, purchase of text books and psychological counselling while, on a broader scale, it will be allowing a deferral of tuition.

CIBC FirstCaribbean, through its charitable arm, FirstCaribbean ComTrust Foundation, recently made a presentation of US$10,000 to the campus to assist the students.

Trustee of the Foundation and Managing Director, Retail and Business Banking at CIBC

Mark St. Hill (right) of CIBC presented funds to Tamika Roberts (centre), President, Bahamas Student Association, and Sonia Johnson of The UWI.

FirstCaribbean, Mark St. Hill, made the presentation to the President of the Bahamas Student Association, Tamika Roberts and the campus’ Business Development Officer, Sonia Johnson.

“Investing in these students is investing in their future and we are hopeful that this support will give them the encouragement to press on even though it will be hard,” Mr. St. Hill said.

Ms. Roberts thanked the bank for the support “on behalf of all Bahamian students and those who are directly affected.

It is because of your company

that we will be able to finish our studies.” She said most of the affected students were “A-students” from the faculties of law and medicine, including the top performing male and female students. She said the students, some of whom still have relatives missing, all “took that leap of faith to still come back not knowing what we would be up against”.

Said Ms. Johnson: “We are so grateful that CIBC has been the first to respond. We have been receiving support in cash and kind as we try to give the students support for the rest of the year."

Packer, and if I drove a vintage car it would be a Packard. You could call me a Paki but that would be racist and insulting.

Like Clint Eastwood, I'm always packing and instead of being lackadaisical, I'm packadaisical.

But why is moving so bad?

You would think that changes of scenery and environment, as well as the anticipation of new worlds to conquer, would bring out the adventurers in all of us. Not really. Wherever we live, even in the most humble of houses, we become attached to these places. Each becomes an important part of us and when we move we always leave elements of ourselves behind.

Worse, the pressure of time, the stress of looking, the financial costs and the settling in, all combine into a painful memory.

Sometimes I think I should tell

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september 21, 2019 THE STAR

my wife Indranie we should forget about buildings and move into a tree-house but then I ask myself, “What if we fall out?”

There are some people though who actually thrive on the moving around. Throughout his life Albert Einstein shifted back and forth in Germany, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland and the United States, and yet, instead of being worn sick by the agony of displacement, he said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” Mine seems to be a bicycle built for four. Like Rodney Dangerfield, the comic, I keep on the go but for a different reason. He joked, “When I was a kid, my parents moved a lot but I always found them.” In my case, my parents moved once but my kids and I have moved around a lot more that Dangerfield. My two youngest, Zubin and Jasmine, had lived in four different Caribbean countries by the time they were nine: Barbados, where they were born, Trinidad,

Belize and Antigua.

As I get older and face another move, I feel like Professor Thompson in this story.

One day, when he was leaving for the university where he taught, his wife, knowing how absentminded he had become, warned, “Don’t forget we are moving today. If you come to this house this afternoon, it will be empty.”

Predictably he didn’t remember until he found the house vacated that afternoon. He mumbled to himself, “And where was it we were moving to?” He went out in front of the house and asked a little girl, “Did you see a moving van here today, little girl?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Can you tell me which way it went?”

She looked up at him and said, “Yes, Daddy, I’ll show you.”

Tony Deyal was last seen saying home is where the heart is—even though you can’t remember what box you packed it in.

MEXICO CELEBRATES 209th ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE

n September 16 Mexico celebrated its 209th anniversary of Independence. To commemorate the festivity, the Embassy of Mexico to the Eastern Caribbean States organised an official event, with the assistance of the prime minister and other government officials, as well as members of the diplomatic corps, Mexican nationals and friends of the Embassy.

As part of the celebration, Ambassador Oscar Esparza Vargas re-enacted the Grito de Dolores (Cry of Dolores), a tradition that celebrates the

historic event that marked the beginning of an independence movement in 1810, by the father of the nation, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla.

As part of the activities for the commemoration of the anniversary of Independence, the Embassy will be hosting an exhibition entitled 'México, Diversidad Cultural' (Mexico, Cultural Diversity), featuring a collection of scenic locations and festivities that have been recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites and Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The display includes a variety

of photographs of historical architecture and picturesque landscapes, as well as of traditional festivities and cuisine, all depicting the rich cultural and natural heritage of modern Mexico.

The exhibition opened on September 19 and runs until October 5, 2019. It is open to the public 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the exhibition hall of the Embassy of Mexico in Vigie, Castries.

The aforementioned is an ideal opportunity for Saint Lucians to gain more knowledge and to discover the beauty of Mexico’s diverse culture and history.

Taking Carnival Beyond Together

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xport Saint Lucia has successfully garnered funding from the highly subscribed Cultural and Creative Industries Innovation Fund (CIIF). The CIIF was established in 2017 by the Caribbean Development Bank and is intended to be a multi-donor fund which will support the development of the creative industries (CI) sector in the Caribbean.

Export Saint Lucia partnered with Events Company of Saint Lucia, Discover Dominica Authority, Spice Mas Corporation and

OECS Competitive Business Unit to submit the grant application. The funding received will be used for improved branding, marketing and commercialization of the carnival products of each of the islands involved.

Improved branding and marketing are essential to differentiate each island’s carnival and to highlight the aspects which make them unique and attractive to revellers and visitors. The ultimate goal is to maximize the revenue generated by these islands, and the businesses in

the industry.

Export Saint Lucia and Events Saint Lucia will work closely with local partners such as the Cultural Development Foundation and the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, as well as with private sector agents to ensure that the result of this project benefits the stakeholders and the island at large.

Export Saint Lucia looks forward to the improved marketing of Saint Lucia's carnival through this endeavour, including the marketing of the country's music, beverages, bands, costume design services and culture.

THE STAR

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

SLP MPs Declare Themselves Fearful Saint Lucia Vies for 4 Global Titles at 26th Elections may not be Free and Fair!

Annual World Travel Awards

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hortly before Tuesday’s rambunctious House sitting got underway, opposition leader Philip J. Pierre, in answer to a reporter’s query about the next general elections, said: “We are ready.

We are very ready. We have candidates coming out of the woodwork. Good candidates.

And we hope that when the time comes the prime minister calls the elections.“

He added: “We are also hoping the elections are free and fair, because we do not trust the government. So we are monitoring the electoral system very carefully.”

The Castries East MP also took the opportunity to do some campaigning. He told reporters his party had attracted a “good mixture of candidates, including young people, women and people of ability.” As if further to explain the phenomenon, Pierre went on: “It shows our party is growing and people are excited and people are most of all dissatisfied with what’s happening in the country.”

During the day’s debate

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Philip J Pierre pictured Tuesday in Parliament, had earlier expressed his distrust of the government, concerning the next general election.

centred on the CIP, Castries South MP Ernest Hilaire cited an article in a local paper wherein the writer claimed Henley and Partners helped to undermine the CIP back in April, 2016, “specially citing its lack of transparency.”

Moreover: “Those of us that follow regional politics, know the role of Henley and Partners and we follow the hearings of the House of Commons about Cambridge Analytica. And in the presentation of this famous individual, he mentioned the

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role of Alexander Nix, spoke of the role of Cambridge Analytica in elections in Saint Lucia, and said that Henley and Partners were financing elections in the Caribbean.”

--–DN

aint Lucia is thrilled to be nominated by the World Travel Awards for four global titles that could see the destination being named the best among the world’s leading destinations.

In the 26th annual World Travel Awards (WTA), Saint Lucia will vie for the titles of: World's Leading Honeymoon Destination 2019, World's Leading Island Destination 2019, World's Leading Wedding Destination 2019 and World's Most Romantic Destination 2019.

Voting for the WTA World categories is now open and runs until midnight on October 20, 2019. Industry partners and the public are invited to vote and encourage friends and family members to do the same, as the nominee gaining the most votes in a category will be named as the

winner. To vote visit: www. worldtravelawards.com/vote.

The World Travel Awards is the pre-eminent leader in the travel and tourism industry, recognizing and upholding excellence across all sectors.

Saint Lucia has won the World's Leading Honeymoon Destination Award ten times, with the most recent honour bestowed in 2018. The destination has also won the Caribbean's Leading Honeymoon Destination Award ten times in the last eleven years.

The red-carpet World Travel Awards Grand Final Gala Ceremony—the world's premier gathering of tourism VIPs—will take place on November 28, 2019 at Royal Opera House, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman.

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04 LOCAL

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

SLP SAYS DARK CLOUDS THREATEN CBI PROGRAM: WHO’S TO BLAME?

by Investment Program, can the Minister provide an account of how the revenue has been expended, stating the recipients or projects and the purposes for ho would have thought such expenditure?”

By “the Minister”, Hilaire that the drab, dull and referred to Prime Minister damp affair that was and Minister of Finance Allen Saint Lucia’s Tuesday morning Chastanet, who read out an weather, could have been the account of where CIP funds prelude to the utter chaos have been allocated, to the that ensued at the September obvious glee of opposition 17 Sitting of the House? members. The subsequent back Wading through the endless accusations of theft, dishonesty, and forth between Chastanet and Hilaire was, at best, nastiness, wickedness and corruption, to find a modicum of forgettable, with both sides of coherence and sense, has been the House cross-talking over one another, for too long typical a challenge, to say the least.

Nevertheless, as is oft-repeated, of House debates. Over and over the Speaker appealed for order, a try remains unbeaten. with little success.

Tuesday’s House session

Up next was Hilaire’s kicked off with a question “negative resolution” that from the Castries South MP, sought approval for the Ernest Hilaire: “Given that the reinstatement of regulation Estimates of Expenditures two and ten provided by for 2017/2018, 2018/2019 Statutory Instrument, 2015, and 2019/2020 show that No. 89. This reinstatement government has collected would, said the mover of the revenue from the Citizenship Dean Nestor

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‘bring the proof’.”

Before proceedings began, Pierre seemed relaxed as he perused a copy of last Saturday’s STAR. Who knows whether something in the paper inspired the following? “I know the history of this country. I’ve been around long enough to understand the history. And that’s why I’ve advised young people, when they speak and write, to know the history of what they speak of and what they write on, and do not look at it only as pictures on Instagram.”

The following from the MP for Micoud South suggested he too was a local history buff.

“Mr. Speaker,” he said, Tuesday was not the first time Castries South “members on the opposite East MP Guy Joseph read, from the STAR, history side have made these wild supportive of his position during a House debate. allegations that we tried to resolution, help remedy the years—2017 and 2018—cited undermine the CIP when we ills still plaguing Saint Lucia’s the island’s Citizenship By were in opposition. Hopefully I’ll beleaguered CIP. The Financial Investment as the worst option be able to put that to rest.

Times Professional Wealth in the Caribbean, although

“If I can make reference to Management (PWM) CBI Index it jumped one spot from the a press statement by the SLP had, for two consecutive bottom this year. on April 7, 2017, the following

The first to seriously is from the representative address this fact was the of Castries South, who said Opposition Leader Philip J. without hesitation: ‘When Pierre. He sought to address the Labour Party resumes the heart of the issue: Why office we will reinstate the has Saint Lucia’s CIP been so net worth requirements and underwhelming to date? Pierre will undertake another due proffered his own finding: “From diligence assessment on the beginning, this government each and every application has tried to sully the name of granted under the UWP—with the CIP in an attempt to gain our promise to revoke any cheap political mileage.” passports of applicants who

As if to bolster his do not meet the $3 million net point, the opposition leader worth requirements or does not referenced public statements meet the strict due diligence by the current prime minister requirements, which Saint that demanded greater CIP Lucians accept. Applicants transparency from the then applying for citizenship in Saint government and the sacking of Lucia should be warned that Ernest Hilaire as Chairman of when the SLP is returned to the CBI program. He quoted a office we will also demand that statement by Chastanet during citizens who do not donate a press interview: “Forever, the full contribution amount of the CIP program is going to be $200,000 will be compelled to afffiliated to politicians.” By top up the contribution that they Pierre’s measure, what he said made in the time of becoming served to prove Chastanet’s citizens.” “undermining the CIP all the

The MP for Castries South time, for political purposes; East, in his own turn, picked because an election was near.” up Chastanet’s cue. With his Pierre concluded that “this own copy of the STAR in hand, government had to adjust the Guy Joseph read a republished CIP because they had sown the report from Financial roots of distrust and of improper Times Professional Wealth motives by their own utterances Management (PWM) CBI Index. when they were in opposition, This report, the MP observed, in public and in private; both described Saint Lucia’s [CBI] at public meetings and by the program as “the Caribbean’s written word. Any time you most politically divisive”. The mention this they’ll tell you Financial Times also referenced

the opposition SLP’s promise “to review all successful applications for citizenship if and when they are returned to office” as not working in the program’s best interests.

Joseph went on: “The report reads in part: ‘There are concerns with respect to the real estate arm of the program, which has seen project cancellations and suspensions, and which currently only features one approved development. There are also continued claims by the Saint Lucia opposition party that legislative changes to the program ‘will be repealed upon a return to governance’.’

“Thank God, Mr. Speaker!

They will not return to office.”

Joseph continued: “That is reckless and irresponsible behaviour by people who have held the highest office in the land. They know very well that you cannot legislate retroactively and penalise anybody on the basis of legislation passed after the fact.”

He was not quite finished: “What is their intention, Mr. Speaker?” asked Joseph.

“This is not the first time this has happened. The same honourable members who today want to stand in this honourable House and claim they want to protect Saint Lucia; they want the program to do well; they want it properly administered, are the very ones who for cheap, political reasons would undermine the effectiveness of a program that can bring substantial benefits to the people of Saint Lucia.”

Ernest Hilaire got the final word: “The Member for Micoud South spoke about the SLP press release and said it was the highest demonstration of irresponsibility to have made that statement. Honourable Member, we’ll disagree.”

To quote once more the CBI Index: “There are concerns with respect to the real estate arm of the program, which has seen project cancellations and suspensions, and which currently only features one approved development. There are also continued claims by the Saint Lucia opposition party that legislative changes to the program ‘will be repealed upon a return to governance’.”

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

A Rapidly Changing World Demands New Thinking Peter Josie

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n my last column I hinted at the apparent stupidity that seems at times to blanket this island. I was careful to point to the knee-jerk reaction that is based on the narrow partisan politics at the root of such willful ignorance. Like those who have been trained in scientific investigation (such as my colleagues in the science of agriculture) to identify problems along the food chain and to identify suitable solutions, I have tried to apply these principles to my politics. This has led me in my active political life to search out a costeffective path to the social and economic problems that haunt Saint Lucia.

In this country, people of my generation who were once members of the St. Lucia Forum had been severely criticized for encouraging the country folk in the use of the native patois, (now called kwéyòl by some), especially those who were challenged, as my grandparents were, to make themselves understood in the English language. It was a new awakening in Saint Lucia as the language of the rural folk was grudgingly accepted by those whose schooling and social standing had previously distanced them from the native

There is much to be learned from the horrors now being experienced by the Bahamas, thanks to Hurricane Dorian.

Creole. Now the rage for Creole is everywhere. Those who had at first despised it, now appear to be profiting from its use in advertising and elsewhere.

Whether this recent acceptance of patois is at the root of our continuing stupidity (as some claim), is for another discussion.

At the formation of the St. Lucia Forum, in the early 1970s, the whole world seemed then in a social and political upheaval. The St. Lucia Forum and other similar groups in the Caribbean were deemed an appropriate response to these global trends during which former colonies demanded political independence from their colonizers. It may now be opportune to ask whether there

is need for a new organisation similar to the St. Lucia Forum, charged with the responsibility of explaining rapidly changing world events to a laissezfaire, happy-go-lucky people.

We need to investigate how changes in the outside world impact the social and economic situation of Saint Lucia, and by how much. This is a question we can no longer postpone, especially in this internet age.

The world-wide rebirth of the liberation struggle for independence in the 60s and 70s, that demanded social and political progress, had the backing of the United Nations. At the moment the world is approaching another epoch in which politicians and

governments are compelled to examine more closely global changes, including climate change. How governments prepare to face these new global challenges is crucial.

Evolving global realities force us to ponder the need for a select group of non-partisan, knowledgeable men and women who are prepared to fearlessly discuss these evolving global events and how they might impact Saint Lucia. By such global events, I refer to the instability and possible hostilities in the Middle East, the possible withdrawal of Britain from the European Community, the instability of countries in our hemisphere and climate change.

After Hurricane Allen in 1980, Saint Lucia moved towards designing costeffective, hurricane-resistant houses as modes to new home construction. Increasing reality of climate change and the recent devastation in the Bahamas, force us to reexamine the past efforts and our experiences with hurricanes.

Citizens well off and poor on this island stand to lose all they have to hurricanes. Smart policy and proper planning, plus widespread education on the damage these storms can inflict, are the best ways to prepare for them. The possibility of food shortages must be included in our preparation equations. These global events are likely to negatively impact us whether we are prepared or not. One would not be surprised if the recent attacks on the Saudi oil fields lead to a price hike here of gasoline and other petroleum products. The ongoing sabre-rattling by the US against Iran may well lead to a conflagration in the Middle East which some US and Israeli politicians, aided by the Saudis, have been provoking for a long time.

These global events would be bad for Saint Lucia. The barefaced political propaganda that exploits the stupidity and naked ignorance of a large percentage of our people would make matters worse. This

is why we need independent, non-partisan and free thinkers to educate us on our vulnerability and how best we should prepare for resilience, food security and social and economic progress.

This is more reason for us to examine more closely what is presented in the electronic media as news. How someone’s subjective truth may be explained and/or verified by a group of independent thinkers whose only concern is the social and economic welfare of this island, is the burden of this article. In the process we may need to re-examine the proposal for a new national constitution, such as presented by the late Justice Suzie d’Auvergne and her team of experts some seven years or so ago. Hopefully this, plus a national debate led by independent thinkers, will assist in the process of the social, political and economic development the populace desires.

There is one final point that needs to be made in connection with the formation of a nonpartisan, independent national organisation. The recent cunning suppression of important information as experienced in the USA does not guarantee that our copy-cat politicians will follow the example. It is, therefore, prudent to observe the coming generation of politicians even more closely than we do the present. It’s one way of looking more closely at ourselves!

Fond Doux Plantation celebrates staff F

ond Doux Plantation & Resort in Soufriere hosted its Annual Staff Awards on Saturday September 14. 2019 at the Beacon Restaurant under the theme “Celebrating 20 years of St. Lucia’s Rich Heritage, History & Culture”.

The event was in recognition of the employees who demonstrated exceptional performance and outstanding service, and honoured those employees who have served the company through the years for their loyalty and dedication.

During her welcome address, Executive Director Mrs. Eroline Lamontagne, thanked the employees for their hard work,

dedication and loyalty to the company and reiterated their importance, not only to Fond Doux Plantation & Resort but also to the hospitality industry in Sain Lucia. She also made mention of Fond Doux celebrating its 20th anniversary in November of this year and the numerous awards received throughout the years.

The featured speaker, Mrs. Lucitia Duncan, praised the staff for the level of service delivered to the guests and for ensuring that everyone, on entering Fond Doux Plantation & Resort, is greeted with a smile and our famous Saint Lucian hospitality.

She also commended Fond

Doux’s commitment to the environment, on being one of the first properties in Saint Lucia to begin the process of reducing the use of “singleuse plastics” as a Green Globe certified property.

Managing Director, Mr. Lyton Lamontagne addressed the physical changes to Fond Doux from the initial opening as a heritage site to the existing plant today and the further improvements to be undertaken in the coming year.

Award winners were: Employee of the Year – Ms. Enelia Edgar; Department of the Year – Front Office;

Proprietors Eroline (left) and Lyton (right) Lamontagne congratulate employee of the year Enelia Edgar.

Guests’ Favourite Staff – Ms. Lecia Vigier and Mr. Alec Auguste; Dedicated Service – Mr. Gregory Joseph; Longstanding Service – Mr. Clinton Jean; Perfect Attendance – Ms. Marie Felix; Most Improved – Mr. Richard Calixte, Ms. Flavia Regis, Ms. Vernic Cauzabon and Ms. Rosalind Cenac; Hardworking & Dedicated Service – Mr. Paul Daniel, Mr. Titus Charles, Ms. Cornelia Felix, Mr. Omowale Hippolyte, Ms. Andrika William, Mr. Shyne Pascal and Mr. Silvanus Modest.

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

Are cows more important to government than the lives of citizens?

Joshua St. Aimee

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ast month the government’s Division of Transport declared its alarm at increasing reports of stray animals on the island`s roads, particularly along major roadways. In a press release the division reminded owners of animals found tied, wandering, straying or lying in such a manner as to cause obstruction, danger, damage or injury to any user of the highway or a public place, that they commit an offence and are liable on summary conviction to a fine of $5,000 or to imprisonment for two years or both.

Additionally: “Owners are further reminded that where an animal poses an immediate danger to road users, the animal(s) may be seized or where not practicable, shall be shot or immobilized by a duly authorized individual. Please

note that all costs incurred during this process shall be borne by the owner of the animal.”

Despite the warning, little has changed. The Choc area continues to be a serious danger zone. On Tuesday Transport Minister Guy Joseph spoke on the government’s intention to tackle the issue. He said plans are afoot to establish a pound to house the stray animals, and that discussions are ongoing between the police and the proposed operators.

“The contract is being finalized with the persons who will be charged with the responsibility of removing stray animals on the road and keeping them in a secure environment where the owners would have to come and pay the necessary expenses before their animals are returned to them.”

The MP could not say where the pound will be located: “We are not going to disclose what the final arrangements are

No, this is not a street in New Delhi. But it appears the cows roaming freely near the Choc roundabout even at night are as sacred as their Indian cousins, and untouchable despite the several road accidents attributed to them.

because there are at least three options under consideration at this time.”

On the other hand, Kingston Jean, President of the National Association of Driving Schools (NADS), told the STAR: “I rather suspect the powers that be either don’t have the

will, or the answer to the problem. For years upon years different administrations have been warning or threatening the owners of stray cattle, to

no avail. Government must be seen to be a serious effort to put the people’s safety first.”

He said he had himself been a victim of stray cows

on the roadway. Said Jean: “A cattle owner losing two animals a month just might bring about a behavioural change.”

Jean, who is also a driving instructor, expressed particular concern for inexperienced drivers. “A defensive driver must be able to recognize potential hazards in advance,” he said.

“That’s a skill that develops over time. So you’re putting those new, as well as older drivers, at risk. It can cause numerous fatalities.”

As far as Jean is concerned, the time for talking should be over: “I have actually lost confidence in the powers that be to do something about the situation . . . I don’t see anything being done. I have heard talk for the longest while, so right now the only thing that will give me a bit of confidence is if I actually see something being done.”

SMJ Launches New Low-Sugar Busta Chill!

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MJ Beverages Ltd Saint Lucia, this week introduced a new product to the Saint Lucian market.

According to the company’s assistant General Manager, Mr. Gaius Harry, SMJ Beverages Ltd, recognizing its social responsibility, has responded favourably to the World Health Organization (WHO) mandate of a reduction of sugar in carbonated and fruit drinks.

“Overweight and obesity are said to be major risk factors for a number of chronic diseases and the high sugar content in some food and drinks compounds this issue,” Gaius Harry said.

“And so, over the years, SMJ Beverages Ltd has worked assiduously to reduce the sugar contents in its products.

And it must be noted that we introduced healthier lowsugar and no-sugar beverages years before it became a requirement,” he added.

The new product, Busta Chill, was unveiled here by the company on September 18, 2019. “Busta Chill comes from the well known and loved Busta family but is a low-sugar version of the popular soft drink that comes in a 350ml bottle. The reduced-sugar drink comes in four bold and exciting

Mr. Gaius Harry, Assistant General Manager, SMJ Beverages Ltd Saint Lucia, announcing the arrival of the new Busta Chill.

flavours: Apple, Orange, Fruit Punch and Grape. The sugar content is only 4.8 grams per 100ml,” Harry explained.

“At SMJ Beverages, not only will we continue to strive to satisfy the needs of our customers with greattasting products, but we are equally committed to offering beverages with a focus on healthier lifestyles for the entire family, while maintaining that same refreshingly great taste,” Harry stated.

Busta Chill is an addition to other smart choices distributed

by SMJ Beverages in Saint Lucia, such as Fruta Lite juices and Chubby soft drinks with 25% reduced sugar. Fruta

is also evolving in terms of a newly introduced packaging and rebranding.

The company says that attaining its goals of making its brands global, requires sticking to high standards which ensure superior product quality.

SMJ Beverages Ltd says that it also strives to achieve an integration of work and spiritual consciousness, a harmonious balance between its business, its people and our planet.

“At the end of the day we believe that it is in this spirit that we can all succeed and live longer, healthier lives, with more opportunities to enjoy the things we love most, including SMJ beverages,” Mr. Gaius Harry said.

THE STAR

september 21, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

LOCAL

09

Martinus Francois Determined Taylor Made secures second To Fight Deputy Speaker Case!

Pitons Cup Slot

A

s he made his way to Tuesday's House of Assembly sitting, House Speaker Andy Daniel disclosed to reporters that Attorney Martinus Francois, who has filed a constitutional motion over Parliament’s failure to appoint a Deputy Speaker, has still not served the House Speaker as he swore to do some weeks ago.

On July 25, the case was adjourned to October 31, after it was ruled that Francois had inappropriately served papers on the Speaker’s secretary. Speaker Andy Daniel reiterated his position on the matter this week, that it is up to parliamentarians on both sides of the House to appoint his deputy.

Well over a month since the court’s ruling, the Speaker still has not been served. Has Francois, like opposition leader Philip J. Pierre before him, thrown in the towel? Francois assures that this is not the case. On Wednesday he told the STAR he was simply taking time to further strengthen his case. Also, he pointed out, the court was on vacation. "I have ample time to serve the Speaker,” he said this

T

aylor Made Farm has been confirmed as the second high profile purchaser of a slot for the newly launched Pitons Cup, the richest race in the Caribbean. The announcement of the participation of US-based Taylor Made Farm comes just days after a syndicate of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, Eclipse award-winning owner Sol Kumin and leading bloodstock agent Brad Weisbord were confirmed as Piton Cup participants.

“Taylor Made is honoured to participate in the inaugural Pitons Cup,” said Mark Taylor, Vice President of Marketing and Public Sales Operations, for Taylor Made Farm.

“We see Saint Lucia as a new, emerging market for American horses. We fully embrace the vision of providing economic opportunities for the people of Saint Lucia as well as our core customers which are American breeders.”

Since its inception in 1976 Taylor Made has been at the forefront of industry change and has continued to adapt and diversify its business model over more than four decades. Today it is undoubtedly an industry leader across sectors as varied as stallion operations, racing operations and horse care. But it is best known for setting new standards of excellence in client services and consigning, having sold more than US$2 billion in thoroughbreds through the sales ring. Taylor Made’s Attorney Martinus Francois (pictured) remains quick adaption to participate in the Royal Saint Lucia resolute in his “fight to defend the constitution”.

Turf Club’s Pitons Cup is an extension of an ethos to politicians. They love to do that. week, “and serve him I will! Our move ahead of market trends.

If we don’t, who will? Someone constitution is only a piece of

“We have seen in America how well the Pegasus from Mars? If it's the last thing I paper; it does not defend itself.

World Cup has been received and know that The do, I will make sure, trust me, that Everest has been immensely popular in Australia.

It needs the citizens to defend this matter comes to a head!” it. If the citizens don’t defend it, A high-profile race in the Caribbean that is more ---JSA affordable to most racing fans is very appealing and we it will be trampled upon by the

Vice President Mark Taylor (pictured) has expressed high hopes for the upcoming Pitons Cup.

wanted to be a part of that,” Taylor added.

“We weren’t surprised to see some of the smartest guys in our industry move quickly here.

We would be surprised if there wasn’t traction.

The template works and when you have it in a lifestyle location like Saint Lucia, there really is a lot of appeal.”

The $150,000 Pitons Cup will help launch horse racing at the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club on December 13, 2019. Go to https://rsltc.com/ the-pitons-cup/ to learn how you can participate.

EXCLUSIVE LIVE COVERAGE OF ALL MATCHES

EXCITING GIVEAWAYS ON THE WAVE 94.5 AND 93.7 fm

10 LOCAL

O

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

MPs Question Motive for Bus Drivers' Strike

n September 9 the Millet Minibus Association started suspending services to the communities of Venus Estate and Belair in protest against “unacceptable condition of the roads”. Fresh off a meeting over the weekend, the Association’s president, Cyprian Yarde, told the STAR on Monday that a decision had been taken to continue the suspension of services until complaints had been given reasonable attention.

Cancelling services altogether was contemplated, Yarde said.

This week transport minister Guy Joseph agreed that the roads in question are in need of repair. However, the action taken in protest could easily have been averted with dialogue. Concerning the Belair road, he said the government’s plan was to undertake “complete rehabilitation”. In the meantime Mr. Joseph, the area’s parliamentary

representative, has arranged a shuttle service for the convenience of commuters.

“By the end of this year,” he said, “I expect we’ll be having a big Christmas celebration in Belair with a top class road.”

As for the Venus Estate road, Joseph said that the project falls under the Disaster Vulnerability Reduction Project (DVRP) of the World Bank. It is also marked for a complete rehabilitation. While no time frame was mentioned in this case, the MP pointed out that the Association’s protest was suspect. “While the Labour Party was in office,” he said, “both roads were in worse condition but the Association’s reaction was different then. I am not in a position to say what the motive is but I question the legitimacy of the action taken.” He acknowledged that nevertheless the roads were in dire need of repair.

Dominic Fedee is the MP for

While acknowledging that the relevant roads are in a state of disrepair, Castries South East MP Guy Joseph (left) and Anse La Raye/Canaries MP Dominic Fedee (right) have both questioned the motive for the bus drivers’ protest action.

the Venus area. He too considered the protest action unfortunate: “I think it totally disadvantages the consumers, and one has to really question the motive.

VACANCY Applications are invited from suitable qualified persons for appointment to the post of

Legal Officer

in a Statutory Corporation.

JOB TITLE : Legal Officer REPORTS TO : The Executive Director SUPERVISES : Relevant assigned staff of the Authority A. RELATIONSHIP AND RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Works under the direction of and reports to the Executive Director/Board of Directors 2. Required to liaise with the Attorney General’s Chambers and Crown Prosecution Office as well as management of the Authority B. GENERAL DUTIES AND TASKS 1. Legal research 2. Legal representation in matters relating to anti money laundering and miscellaneous court matters 3. Assisting with the preparation of various reports as required by legislation 4. Training and raising awareness of the financial and business sectors on their anti-money laundering obligations.

5. Provide legal advice to the management and staff on matters related to the operations of the Authority 6. Research and advise on any other matters relating to the work of the Authority as directed by the Board and the Executive Director C. KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 1. Advanced knowledge of and ability to interpret the laws of Saint Lucia including anti-money laundering, terrorism financing and criminal law legislation D. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

1. Masters of Law Degree plus a certificate in legal Education or equivalent plus three (3) years’ experience in legal practice or 2. Bachelor of Laws Degree plus certificate in legal education or equivalent plus five (5) years’ experience in legal practice Experience or qualifications in anti-money laundering will be an asset E. GENERAL Employment will be non-pensionable. Compensation will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and will be in accordance with the terms stipulated by the Authority Basic salary will be equivalent of grade 16 – 19 in the Public Service depending on qualification and experience. Travel and other allowances will be paid in addition to basic salary.

Applications must be accompanied by certified copies of all certificates and transcripts from the relevant institutions. Two confidential testimonials are required (one from the most recent employer of the applicant) to be submitted in a sealed envelope marked: CONFIDENTIAL – APPLICATION FOR POSITION OF LEGAL OFFICER, and must be sent to: The Director P.O. Box GM 959 Gablewoods North Post Office Castries LC02-501 Saint Lucia ONLY SUITABLY QUALIFIED APPLICANTS WILL BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND INVITED FOR AN INTERVIEW Applications should be received no later than 4th October, 2019

I leave it to others to make the connections.”

Yarde insists that his Association’s only motive is to be taken seriously by the

government. He told the STAR: “To say that nothing was done under the last administration is not correct. On many occasions we did threaten protest action.

I do not want this to be seen as anything political. We are simply considering our members’ interests.”

---JSA

Form P7 :Advertisement of Application for Grant Rules 15

THE EASTERN CARIBBEAN SUPREME COURT IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE

SAINT LUCIA Claim No. SLUHPB2019/

IN THE MATTER of a Grant of Letters of Administration in the Succession of MARIE THERESE MONGROO nee Lewis aka AGATHA MONGROO aka MARY MONGROO late of Dennery in the Island of Saint Lucia.

BEFORE

: THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT

APPLICANT

: CLEMENT GREGORY MONGROO

TAKE NOTICE that an application for a Grant of Letters of Administration has been filed by (1) CLEMENT GREGORY MONGROO, the applicant who is the lawful son of MARIE THERESE MONGROO nee Lewis aka AGATHA MONGROO aka MARY MONGROO, Deceased late of Dennery, Saint Lucia, the Deceased having died intestate on the 10th day of February 1982.

Any person having an objection to the grant of Letters of Administration to the Applicant shall file an objection within 14 days of the publication of this Notice.

Dated this 08th day of May, 2019.

This Notice is filed by the Law Offices of Oswald Wilkinson Larcher & Associate Legal Practitioner for the Petitioner whose address for service is Maison DuBonaire, John Compton Highway, Castries, Telephone Number 452-4555.

The Court office is at La Place Carenage, Jeremie Street, Castries, St. Lucia, Telephone Number 4687500 Fax. Number 468-7543. The office is open between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Mondays to Thursdays and between 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Fridays except public holidays. The Office can also be contacted via Email at stluhco@eccourts.org.

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

LOCAL

11

The Week at SLHTA Tourism Matters

Low Carbon and Resource Efficient Action Plan for Accommodation in Saint Lucia

S

eptember 19th, 2019 marked a successful launch of the Low Carbon and Resource Efficient Action Plan for Accommodation in Saint Lucia. The event came off the heels of months of stakeholder engagement and collaborations to create a strategic action plan for the reduction in the carbon foot print and increase resource efficiency of the accommodation sector in Saint Lucia.

Ms. Carolina Fernandez of the Travel Foundation, being one of the key drivers of the Action Plan, was very poignant in her remarks as she presented on working towards a low carbon tourism sector.

Mr. Vincent Sweeney of the UN Environment Programme expounded on the Transforming Tourism Value Chains.

The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA), being a facilitator of the engineering of the Action Plan, was represented at the gathering by the Head of its Environmental Committee Mr. Carl Hunter. Mr. Hunter’s opening remark: “The time for Action is Now,” was not lost on the audience as he highlighted the many issues being faced

with climate change and waste disposal on island.

The SLHTA CEO Noorani Azeez, in his forward remarks in the official document, opined, "The ability of tourism to exponentially increase the resident population and market size of a destination is irrefutable. Small island developing states welcome this floodgate of economic possibilities and the consequent impact on employment, linkages and cultural exchange.

Notwithstanding these socioeconomic promises however, the increased environmental impact of mass tourism must be measured and attended to with haste if we are to safeguard these ecosystems and leave a sensible legacy for future generations.

"But this logic is selfevident. The substantive challenge facing us now is the need to take massive action on the recommendations of the myriad of studies presented to us, pointing to the critical importance of incorporating sustainable tourism practices into our everyday business operations. Leadership by example becomes critical in order to shift the needle and create ripples of sustainable

practices across the economic landscape.

"The Low Carbon and Resource Efficient Action Plan for Accommodation in Saint Lucia articulates such a game plan and provokes leaders to champion actionable steps to raise awareness, improve skills and build partnerships toward common goals. The document must be treated for what it is and its instructions incorporated into every level of public and private sector engagement.

"The Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association (SLHTA) commends our members for participating in the discussions leading to the creation of this document. We reaffirm our commitment to action and will continue to support our various organs such as our Tourism Enhancement Fund, our SLHTA Environmental Committee and our SLHTA Chefs’ Table in their advocacy for sharing best practices among our members and partners.

"In many respects the work has only just started but we are delighted with the collaboration of partners such as The Travel Foundation, the UN Environment Programme and various other international bodies to create this blueprint

for action. We look forward to expanding this relationship and to holding our various constituents responsible for its incorporation into our everyday operations. Together, we can surely meet the targets which we have collectively set for ourselves.”

The implementation of this Action Plan will require collective work and partnerships to guarantee success and sustainability. This Plan will be supplemented by an implementation plan which will also require collaboration from all stakeholders. Mr. Vincent Sweeney, Representative of the United Nations Environment Programme stressed, “We need strong co-operation and the involvement of all the main stakeholders to implement the recommendations highlighted in the Action Plan."

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING The Concerned Clico Policy Holders Group have called a public meeting for all unsecured Clico Policy Holders to be held on

SAINT LUCIA’S TOURISM ARRIVAL FIGURES REVEAL MORE DOUBLE-DIGIT GROWTH Thursday, 3rd October 2019 at 5:30pm

T

he trendy and highly sought after Caribbean destination of Saint Lucia continues to bask in news of more record growth for the island’s leading economic driver, the tourism industry.

According to the latest figures released to industry partners, the month of July saw Saint Lucia recording not only the highest number of visitor arrival figures ever for July, but also for any one-month period in the island’s history. This surpasses the record set last March by 2.5%, when 41,741 visitors stayed on-island.

In July 2019 Saint Lucia welcomed a total of 42,773 visitors, an increase of 13% or roughly 5,000 additional

visitors from July last year. The US market grew by a whopping 23%, owing largely to the hosting of Carnival activities and the additional airlift from American Airlines out of Miami.

The Caribbean market recorded 6% growth due to a series of summer vacation campaigns notably Carnival, Caribcation, Mercury Fest, the hosting of the Caricom Heads of Government Summit and the introduction of the second Capo Rosso ferry from Martinique.

Arrivals from France grew by 2%, the rest of Europe by 17% and the rest of world by 61%.

Despite the overwhelmingly positive increases there were, however,

some decreases in arrivals for the month of July from three markets: the UK by 3%, Canada by 3% and Germany by 18%.

Notwithstanding this, Tourism Minister Hon. Dominic Fedee says that for the Year To Date July 2019, all markets are recording growth, except Canada and France, which are down 3.5% and 0.5% respectively.

Minister Fedee, who also holds the portfolios of Culture and Creative Industries, notes that due to this double-digit increase recorded in July, together with the increases from the previous months, YTD stay-over arrivals are now 7.5% higher than the same period last year.

at the CSA Center, Sans Souci, Castries

The object of this meeting will be to decide factors necessary to get outstanding balances due and owing by CLICO and bringing this matter to a conclusion.

A large turnout is important as your input will be greatly appreciated.

Please make every effort to attend.

12 COMMENT

www.stluciastar.com

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

When Will Local Politi Journalists Embrace R F

or some time now, going back to the headier days of George Odlum and Peter Josie, House sessions have more than anything else been bad theater. There were also the choreographed sideshows in Constitution Park, mostly comical, a boon to visiting and native journalists

alike. The show has never closed. Same tired old scripts, albeit performed by actors a lot less talented than their predecessors.

It was difficult to tell on Tuesday which was the more nauseating, which the more hilarious. The answer depended on viewer sensibility, in these

parts more often than not determined by party affiliation.

There can be no doubt, however, about which attracted more press attention: what seemingly went on endlessly inside, or the 20-minute sideshow in Constitution Park starring the prime minister and an angel-voiced Choice

reporter.

Several weeks ago, at the same venue, she had clashed with the singular Southeast Castries MP, Guy Joseph. I dare to say few will recall offhand her question. At any rate, not nearly as readily as they will the parliamentarian’s response that he was disinclined to take questions from political activists masquerading as journalists.

In an on-camera interview soon after the revisited exchange, the angel of Choice expressed her befuddlement at the MP’s reaction. It seems she expected him after fifteen years on the hustings to know all journalists are political actors.

Who knows how the

government reacted behind closed doors to the resultant publicized contretemps?

More predictable were the anonymous and pseudonymous Facebook computer warriors in blazing red and yellow. As for the STAR, we were hardly surprised. Not by what had occurred in Constitution Park, not by the aftermath. Over the years every administration had at one time or another declared this newspaper and its associates “enemies of the people; a cancer that needed to be excised from the body politic” and other such encomiums.

One prime minister had by official missive demanded the

Judge orders White House to return Jim Acosta's press pass

By Brian Stelter, Marshall Cohen, David Shortell and Jessica Schneider,

C

NN's Jim Acosta has returned to his post at the White House following a court ruling that forced the Trump administration to reinstate his press pass. Now President Trump is vowing to create "rules and regulations" for how White House reporters act. He says: "You have to practice decorum" at the White House.

"It's not a big deal," Trump told Fox News in an interview on Friday. "What they said, though, is that we have to create rules and regulations for conduct, etcetera. We're going to write them up. It's not a big deal. If he misbehaves, we'll throw him out or we'll stop the news conference."

Friday's ruling by federal judge Timothy J. Kelly was an initial victory for CNN in its lawsuit against Trump and several top aides. The suit

alleges that CNN and Acosta's First and Fifth Amendment rights were violated by last week's suspension of his press pass. Kelly did not rule on the underlying case on Friday. But he granted CNN's request for a temporary restraining order on Fifth Amendment grounds. And he said he believes that CNN and Acosta are likely to prevail in the case overall.

"Let's go back to work," Acosta said in brief comments outside the courthouse. Later in the day he arrived at the White House and received his Secret Service "hard pass," the pass that was taken from him nine days ago.

CNN v. Trump is an important test of press freedom in the US. Kelly, seemingly well aware of the high stakes, read his written opinion from the bench for nearly 20 minutes Friday morning. He sided with CNN on the basis of the suit's Fifth Amendment claims, saying the White House did not provide Acosta with the due process required to legally revoke his

Jim Acosta’s (pictured) White House pass was revoked on the basis the CNN reporter had manhandled a female intern during a back and forth with then press secretary Sanders. A judge ordered the temporary return of Acosta’s pass until another court hearing.

press pass.

He left open the possibility that the White House could seek to revoke Acosta's pass again if it provided due process. That may be why Trump is talking about implementing "rules."

Kelly went to great lengths to explain what his decision meant — and what it didn't mean — to the attentive audience. He

emphasized the "very limited" nature of the ruling. He said that while he may not agree with the underlying case law that CNN's argument was based on, he had to follow it.

Kelly criticized last week's blacklisting of Acosta as "shrouded in mystery," noting that the Justice Department lawyer in the case couldn't even

dismissal of a Voice reporter whose work the prime minister considered unflattering of his administration. Two Saint Lucian news correspondents lost their jobs with overseas media outlets after their coverage of certain government activities displeased the day’s prime minister.

And then there was the unforgettable “media terrorist” who was uncovered by still another prime minister on the steps of the Castries market. It is worth mentioning that the prime ministers in the recalled incidents were not without their vociferous supporters whose noise easily overwhelmed the few who dared to defend the targeted journalists at great risk to themselves. I might also add that the attitude of politicians toward the STAR has never prevented

extremely savvy and wise resolution of this case." Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, one of the six defendants in the case, did not specify whether the administration would continue to fight the lawsuit in court. The legal battle may continue for months.

But Sanders said in a statement say who ordered the decision. that "we will also further develop But he also said that he was not rules and processes to ensure fair making a judgment on the First and orderly press conferences in the Amendment claims that CNN future. There must be decorum at the and Acosta have made.

White House."

Despite that, Press

"People have to behave," he said, Secretary Sanders said in her when asked about the administration's statement, "Today, the court defeat in court. made clear that there is no

"If they," meaning reporters like absolute First Amendment right Acosta, "don't listen to the rules and to access the White House." The regulations, we'll end up back in court judge did not make that clear. and we'll win. But more importantly,

But he did note that we'll just leave," meaning, stop taking Sanders' initial claim that questions from the press. "And then Acosta had inappropriately you won't be very happy. Because we touched a White House intern do get good ratings." was "likely untrue" and

Ted Boutrous, one of the outside "partly based on evidence of lawyers representing CNN in the case, questionable accuracy." Acosta said in an interview that the network held onto a microphone when is open to a resolution that could avoid an intern tried to take it away further legal action. "We want to just during a presidential news simply move forward and let CNN and conference last week. Later Jim Acosta gather news and report it," that day, the correspondent's Boutrous said. access to the White House was But what if the administration suspended. tries to implement intense restrictions

Kelly was appointed to on the press corps, or tries to revoke the bench by Trump last year, other press passes? "I think, you and confirmed with bipartisan know, we're ready to litigate as long support in the Senate. CNN chief as we have to, to protect these First legal analyst Jeffrey Toobin said Amendment rights, to ask the court the ruling "strikes me as an to declare rules of the road going

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

local

www.stluciastar.com

13

iticians, Reality! the newspaper from carrying out its objectives, sometimes to the shortlived annoyance of its friends when they landed on the STAR’s front page.

Journalism is no easy job when it’s done well. There is always the feeling that we’re at war, whether in relatively peaceful zones such as Saint Lucia or in Trump’s volatile America. The enemy is not always the politician. Too often we are our own worst detractors. We do not react well to friendly fire. By which I mean to say we are often intolerant of free speech that is critical of us, especially when it comes from our own.

CNN’s Jim Acosta certainly has criticized the competition but that did not prevent Fox News, for one, from standing by him when Trump’s White House chose to go for Acosta’s jugular.

(See Judge Orders White House to Return Jim Acosta’s Press Pass, below.)

Speaking of which: Imagine if you can Allen Chastanet demanding that a reporter at his press conference “shut up and sit down!” The leader of the free world has done exactly that without demands for his resignation. And just in case some may see the reference as an endorsement of official arrogance and betrayal of my fellow journalists, I hasten to add nothing could be further from the truth.

Politicians are free to do as they please within the law. No law in free countries denies the President or the Prime Minister

forward," Boutrous said.

In a statement about the ruling, CNN said: "We are gratified with this result and we look forward to a full resolution in the coming days.

Our sincere thanks to all who have supported not just CNN, but a free, strong and independent American press."

Numerous press freedom advocacy groups also cheered the ruling. "Today, a major precedent was set for the future of a free press.

It is a win for one reporter, but most importantly a win for the Constitution and the enduring freedoms it grants us all," the Georgetown Law's Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection said.

Most of the country's major news organizations have supported CNN's lawsuit, recognizing that the White House may try to ban other reporters in the future. CNN has asked the court for "permanent relief," meaning a declaration from the judge that Trump's revocation of Acosta's press pass was unconstitutional.

This legal conclusion could protect other reporters from retaliation by the administration. But the judge will rule on all of that later.

The White House took the unprecedented step of suspending Acosta's access after he had a combative exchange with Trump at last week's post-midterms press conference. CNN privately sought a resolution for several days before filing suit on Tuesday. The defendants

include Trump, Sanders, and chief of staff John Kelly.

Judge Kelly heard oral arguments from both sides on Wednesday afternoon. Kelly asked tough questions of both sides, drilling particularly deep into some of CNN's arguments.

Then he said he would issue a ruling Thursday afternoon. He later postponed it until Friday morning, leaving both sides wondering about the reason for the delay.

In public, the White House continued to argue that Acosta deserves to be blacklisted because he was too aggressive at the press conference.

Speaking with Robert Costa at a Washington Post Live event on Thursday, White House communications official Mercedes Schlapp said press conferences have a "certain decorum," and suggested that Acosta violated that.

"In that particular incident, we weren't going to tolerate the bad behavior of this one reporter," she said. Schlapp repeated the "bad behavior" claim several times. When Costa asked if the White House is considering yanking other press passes. Schlapp said "I'm not going to get into any internal deliberations that are happening."

In court on Wednesday,

Journalists jockey for position outside the House of Assembly.

the right to decide whom he will talk to. No law dictates whose activities journalists may or may not cover, or the questions they may ask.

While officials are under oath to be accountable to the

Justice Department lawyer James Burnham argued that the Trump White House has the legal right to kick out any reporter at any time for any reason — a position that is a dramatic break from decades of tradition.

While responding to a hypothetical from Kelly, Burnham said that it would be perfectly legal for the White House to revoke a journalist's press pass if it didn't agree with their reporting. "As a matter of law . . . yes," he said.

The White House Correspondents' Association— which represents reporters from scores of different outlets—said the government's stance is "wrong" and "dangerous."

"Simply stated," the association's lawyers wrote in a brief on Thursday, "if the President were to have the absolute discretion to strip a correspondent of a hard pass, the chilling effect would be severe and the First Amendment protections afforded journalists to gather and report news on the activities on the President would be largely eviscerated."

On Friday the correspondents' association welcomed Kelly's ruling.

Editor’s Note: The preceding was first published in 2018.

people, they are free to use multiple media choices at their disposal to get their messages across to the electorate.

Journalists are free to report and comment on the degree and quality of official accounting.

And for that we need not talk to politicians openly hostile to us.

Indeed, politicians remain at the mercy of talented journalists, as doubtless our angel of Choice knows only too well.

If I may end on yet

another personal note: my own journalism has never depended on the generosity of politicians. Indeed, I’ve often been taken aback by politicians that offer themselves to be roasted alive!

Career Opportunity

Accountant Amalgamated Security Services Limited is one of the leading security service providers in the Caribbean, headquartered in Trinidad and Tobago with subsidiaries in Barbados, Antigua, Grenada, Guyana and St Lucia. The Company provides a diversified range of security services and is looking for a dynamic individual for the position of Accountant in its subsidiary, Alternative Security Services (St Lucia) Limited.

Minimum Requirements: • A minimum of Level 2 ACCA or CGA or an accounting qualification of either an Accounting degree

or an AAT or equivalent.

• 3 Years Experience operating at the level of accountant • Strong proficiency in the MS Suite, particularly Excel, PowerPoint and Word • Good time management and organizational skills with respect to scope and scheduling of tasks • Experience with Peachtree software is preferred but experience with other accounting software

will also be considered.

• Clean Police Record • St Lucia resident or have the legal right to work in St Lucia under the CSME. Job Location: • St Lucia Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications Closing Date – Applications must be received by 4th October 2019 Applications along with resumes should be sent to hrapplications@assl.com Insert the Job Title in the subject line of your email Unsuitable applications will not be acknowledged

14 REGIONAL

www.stluciastar.com

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

Mega solar and storage project to be built in the Caribbean The fully-integrated system will comprise a 35.6 MW solar PV plant and a 44.2 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system

T

he largest solar generation plus energy storage project ever to be built in the Caribbean has been announced by the government of St Kitts and Nevis, the state-owned St Kitts Electric Company (SKELEC)

and Swiss energy storage firm Leclanché SA.

The fully-integrated system will comprise a 35.6 MW solar PV plant and a 44.2 MWh lithium-ion battery energy storage system and will provide

between 25 and 30 per cent of the nation’s current power generation requirements.

SKELEC and Leclanché have entered into a 20-year power purchase agreement to ensure the residents of

the Caribbean twin-island federation are provided with reliable clean energy, coupled with fixed-cost savings compared to the current diesel-generated power system. These savings will result in the project being fully paid for over the 20-year agreement, with zero costs being covered

GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING, URBAN RENEWAL AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SETTLEMENT UPGRADING PROJECT INVITATION FOR BIDS - EXTENSION OF BID SUBMISSION DEADLINE

The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has received financing from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) for the Settlement Upgrading Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this financing to eligible payments under a contract for which this invitation is issued. Payments

by CDB will be made only at the request of GOSL and upon approval by CDB, and will be subject in all respects to the terms and conditions of the Financing Agreement. The Financing Agreement prohibits withdrawal from the financing account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOSL shall derive any rights from the Financing Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Financing.

The Project is being implemented by the Programme for the Regularisation of Unplanned Developments (PROUD) within the Department of Housing, Urban Renewal and Telecommunications, the Executing Agency.

Note that the PROUD has contracted a Consultant who will be assisting in the supervision of the works.

The PROUD now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders to undertake any combination of the following works; 1. Lot 1: Construction of Residential Accesses and Drains at La

Resource Phases 2 and 3, Contract No. /SUP 53/SFR – OR – STL (P7)

2. Lot 2: Construction of Residential Accesses and Drains at La

Resource Phases 4 and 5, Contract No. /SUP 53/SFR – OR – STL (P8)

3. Lot 3: Construction of Residential Accesses and Drains at Sarrot,

Contract No. /SUP 53/SFR – OR – STL (P9)

Consideration will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms, which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible country and are either;

1. more than 50% beneficially owned by a citizen or citizens and/or a bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these requirements; or 2. owned or controlled by the Government of an eligible country provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement (2006).

Eligible countries are member countries of CDB.

Eligible bidders will be required to submit full qualification information with their bids establishing their eligibility to bid and qualifications to perform the contract if the bid is accepted. Tender and qualifications information are to be submitted in the English language on the prescribed forms inserted in the Bid Documents. Submissions that do not provide the information required, or do not demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for evaluation.

3) Experience as prime contractor in the construction of at least two (2) assignments of a nature, scope and complexity comparable to the proposed works within the last six (6) years. Subcontract work and labour only contracts shall not qualify.

4) Experience in the construction of roads (Bituminous surfacing dressing, asphaltic concrete & concrete) base and experience in the construction of Earthen and reinforced concrete drains.

Bidding Documents may be obtained by eligible bidders from the following address below for a non-refundable fee of XCD500: The Project Coordinator Department of Housing, Urban Renewal and Telecommunications 7th Floor Conway Business Centre Cnr. John Compton Highway & Jn. Baptiste Street Castries ST. LUCIA, W.I Telephone: 1-758 468-2600/2609 Facsimile number: 1-758 452-1838 Email: cuthbert.mcdiarmed@govt.lc

Requests may be made by written application including email. Written applications must be clearly marked: “SUP (NCB) - Request for Bidding Documents for the Construction of Residential Accesses, Drains and Footpaths, Lot 1 to 3”, along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which Bidding Documents are being requested. Payment should be by wire transfer, bank draft or bank guaranteed cheque made payable to Accountant General.

Information to pay by wire transfer can be obtained from the Project Coordinator, whose address is above.

Applicants who request that documents be forwarded to them must submit an account number from a local courier agent that accepts freight collect charges. Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will PROUD or their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted.

Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked “Bid for the Settlement Upgrading Project (NCB) – Construction of Residential Accesses, Drains and Footpaths (Lot 1 or Lot 2 or Lot 3 or any combination)”, must be received at the address below. The deadline for submission has now been extended to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019.

The Chairperson Central Tender’s Board Department of Finance, Economic Affairs and Social Security Financial Administrative Centre Point Seraphine Castries ST. LUCIA, W.I

Qualification requirements include, inter alia:

Bid opening will take place at 10:00 am on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the office of the Central Tender’s Board in the presence of bidders representatives who choose to attend.

1) An average annual turnover (defined as certified payments received for works in progress or completed) within the last five (5) years of: a) Lot 1: XCD3,150,000; b) Lot 2: XCD2,835,000; c) Lot 3: XCD3,340,000;

All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of Ten Thousand Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD10,000) for any single NCB Lot or Thirty Thousand Eastern Caribbean Dollars (XCD30,000.00) for any Combination of Lots.

2) A demonstrable cash flow (including access to credit) of: a) Lot 1: XCD400,000; b) Lot 2: XCD360,000; c) Lot 3: XCD425,000;

The PROUD reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to terminate the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the grounds for the PROUD action. The PROUD will not defray any costs incurred by any bidder in the preparation of bids

Solar and storage plant for Caribbean islands.

by the customer.

The project will housed be on government land in the Basseterre Valley under a lease between the government of St Kitts and Nevis and the project company.

Ian Patches Liburd of the St Kitts and Nevis government said: “We are set to embark on this vital solar and storage project as a key part of our renewable energy thrust that is critical to the future development of our country. The project will help solidify the financial strength of SKELEC over the next 20-plus years, while substantially reducing the islands’ fuel cost over that period.”

He added: “The expected fuel avoidance cost from the installation of the solar farm will not only be beneficial to the energy demand of the federation but represents that most viable option for securing SKELEC’s financial future.

“The solar and battery storage project represents a giant step forward in the government’s efforts to ensure a clean, safe and affordable energy future for our country. This project offers many benefits for our residents, businesses and the millions of tourists who visit St. Kitts and Nevis each year.”

Leclanché will serve as the prime EPC contractor for the installation of both the solar PV system and battery energy storage system.

So far, Leclanché has established a St Kitts special purpose vehicle along with local partner Solrid to fund, own and operate the facility. Once the energy generation and storage project is completed and delivered, Leclanché will be responsible for the management of all project operations, maintenance and equipment warranties.

Leclanché chief executive Anil Srivastava said: “This project marks the first time a megawatt-scale solar energy system, stabilized by a state-of-the art lithium battery energy storage system, can be utilized to provide true ‘base load’ power for a utility on a Caribbean island. It sends a strong signal to other Caribbean countries, and those around the world, that there is a cleaner, more cost-efficient and viable alternative to diesel power.”

St Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister Timothy Sylvester Harris said: “SKELEC’s leadership in this solar generation and storage project is commendable on many levels. This project is an example of the bold thinking and actions being undertaken by our electric utility to ensure a reliable power supply and a cleaner, more sustainable environment for our citizens and tourists.”

Ground breaking for the project is scheduled for mid-October with an anticipated completion date of September 2020.

THE STAR

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

CTO MAKES INITIAL MONETARY CONTRIBUTION TO THE BAHAMAS RECOVERY EFFORT

T

he Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) has made an initial monetary contribution to the Bahamas to assist with its recovery efforts in Abaco and Grand Bahama following the devastation caused

by Hurricane Dorian earlier this month.

The sum of US$20,000— monies raised through the CTO Relief Fund—has been transferred to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of the Bahamas as part of the CTO’s ongoing support of the long-term recovery of the affected islands.

The CTO activated its hurricane relief fund immediately after Hurricane Dorian battered the northwestern Bahamian islands of the Abacos and Grand Bahama, leaving behind a trail of destruction, over 50 confirmed deaths and many more missing.

“The CTO sincerely thanks those of you who are helping the Bahamas by contributing to the hurricane relief fund.

Your assistance goes a long way towards bringing relief to the people of the Abacos and Grand Bahama who suffered gravely from Hurricane Dorian,” said Neil Walters, the CTO’s acting secretary general. “We encourage everyone to continue to contribute to the fund so we can keep assisting those affected.

However, it’s important to note that 14 tourist destinations in the

Bahamas were unaffected by the storm and we encourage persons planning vacations at this time to show their ultimate support to the Bahamas by visiting at least one of these destinations.”

In addition to the relief fund, the CTO is engaged in other activities to assist the Bahamas.

It is collaborating with Friends of Culture, a 501C3 organisation in New Orleans, Louisiana, to raise funds at its annual Bayou Bacchanal (Caribbean Carnival), to be held November 2 in New Orleans.

The CTO also worked with Julie Guaglardi of Zelman

Style Interiors to highlight the Bahamas at a fashion show in Times Square, New York during New York Fashion Week, reaching an audience of 100,000.

The CTO is part of the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency’s team on the ground in the affected islands, with one of its staff members currently in the Bahamas, carrying out an assessment of the damage to the tourism infrastructure.

To contribute to the CTO Hurricane Relief Fund please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/ hurricane-relief-fund-cto.

RFHL ONE STEP CLOSER TO CLOSING SCOTIA TRANSACTION

R

epublic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) is now one step closer to expanding its reach within the Caribbean region. The Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) has approved the application for the transfer of the assets and liabilities of the Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) to RFHL in Anguilla, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines, pursuant to Section 43 of the Banking Act of 2015 that governs the various territories.

The ECCB made the announcement in a September 6, 2019 news release after its Monetary Council met on the same day to discuss the ECCB’s assessment of the Republic

Group’s application to acquire BNS operations in ECCB member countries.

The ECCB has said that it believes that the corporate banking record of the Republic Group and its extensive network of correspondent banks will bode well for the Eastern Caribbean Currency Union (ECCU) banking sector. RFHL Chairman, Ronald F. deC. Harford, said, “This is a crucial and promising step toward an even brighter and more expansive future for the Republic Group. We appreciate the ECCB’s faith in our Group’s potential to be of great benefit to our other Caribbean counterparts, through this transaction.”

In November of 2018, the Republic Group announced that it had entered into an agreement

local

www.stluciastar.com

to acquire the BNS banking operations in various territories.

The execution of the agreement signalled the commencement of a transaction that remains subject to all regulatory and other customary approvals and conditions.

This approval is the most recent of those gained by RFHL since the announcement.

Previous approvals include a letter of “No Objection” from the Central Bank of Curacao and St. Maarten and approval from the Central Bank of Trinidad and Tobago (CBTT).

As RFHL works with all regulators for finalisation of the transaction, the Group remains committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve a swift and successful closure.

15

Murder trial for Amber Guyger will remain in Dallas County, judge rules

T

he murder trial for Amber Guyger will remain in Dallas County, a judge ruled Monday. Prosecutors argued earlier on Monday that Guyger's trial should stay in Dallas because news coverage wasn’t pervasive enough to influence the jury.

The jury and four alternates were selected last Friday to hear evidence in the murder trial for Guyger, who shot and killed Botham Jean inside his own apartment.

Defence attorneys filed a request in July to move the trial out of Dallas County because of negative news coverage on the case. State District Judge Tammy Kemp denied the motion on Monday afternoon. The trial is scheduled to begin next week on Sept. 23.

Guyger, who was a Dallas police officer at the time of the shooting, was off duty but still in uniform when she killed Jean. She told investigators she believed she was in her own apartment and thought Jean was an intruder when she shot him.

Guyger lived one floor below Jean at the South Side Flats apartments.

Jean’s death received

Saint Lucian national Botham Jean (pictured) was killed in his apartment last year by off-duty police officer Amber Guyger.

national attention and sparked outrage. Many activists said they believed the shooting was racially motivated. Guyger is white. Jean was black.

One of Guyger’s defence attorneys said on Monday during a hearing that there’s no evidence the former cop shot Jean because of his ethnicity. Guyger was later fired and is no longer a police officer.

After defence attorneys filed the change of venue

motion, Kemp said she would not consider the request until after jury selection, which ended on Friday. Prosecutors said a fair and impartial jury was seated.

Eight jurors and four alternates had heard of Guyger and Jean before they were selected. Four of the jurors had not heard of the case before they were summoned for jury duty.

Of the 16 people picked, 15 had not formed an opinion on Guyger’s actions. One had but could put the opinion aside to hear evidence, said prosecutor Doug Gladden, who analyzed the responses to jury questionnaires.

Gladden said many of the jurors who had heard of Guyger and Jean said they had not seen news coverage of the case in months. Prosecutors pointed out that of the more than 200 articles and TV news stories defence attorneys presented in their request to move the case, more than half were from September 2018, when Jean was killed.

Kemp said she would review the motion to change the venue on Monday and make a decision by the end of the day. She will also look at which counties and areas are covered by local news organisations.

--CBS 19

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

Construction of Berthing Jetty in Soufriere Bay, Dominica The Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH is currently implementing its “Jetty Development Project” in Soufriere Bay, Dominica. As part of this project, GIZ intends to award a contract for the construction works of a berthing jetty at Soufriere Bay, Dominica. The scope of work includes: Construction of a reinforced concrete berthing jetty supported by 16 steel piles with diameters of 558.8 mm and lengths of up to 18 m, installation of berth equipment such as bollards, ladders and fenders, and preparation of execution design. Due consideration has been given to the existing biophysical characteristics and the unique biodiversity and ecology of the area in the approved construction drawings and technical specifications.

Tender procedure from invitation to tender until signing of contract is expected to take place in November 2019.

Construction work is expected to be performed and completed approximately within seven (7) months from signing of contract.

To qualify for consideration in the tender procedure, interested companies are required to submit the following information and documents for eligibility assessment: 1) 2) 3) 4)

5)

6) 7) 8)

Official letter expressing interest Company details including full company name, full address, phone and email Copy of company registration certificate Company profile including number of employees (permanent / temporary in total) divided into job like description like project manager (experienced in marine works and pile driving), some technical backoffice (design/cad engineer), experience crew for operating heavy equipment, HSE officer A maximum of 3 references for similar works completed in a marine environment such as jetty or quay wall constructions, sea defense works and coastal protection (performed within the last five (5) years) (If more than 3 references are mentioned, those additional references will not be taken into account for the evaluation) Total value of works of similar nature as specified above (for each of the last five (5) years) Annual total turnover of two million United States dollars for each of the last three (3) years Evidence of ownership of equipment and machinery necessary to execute the works or evidence of possibility to hire the same

The information and documents specified above shall be submitted to GIZ in PDF format on or before October 07th 2019 by 5 PM Atlantic Standard Time (AST) at the latest to the following email address: DO_quotation@giz.de.

The subject line must be clearly marked as follows: “Expression of Interest for construction of berthing jetty in Soufriere Bay, Dominica” Please do not send technical or price offer or other documents not requested. Kindly note that complete tender documents will be sent to all companies that will be assessed as eligible by GIZ based on the information and documents submitted as specified above.

16 REGIONAL

R

‘Bad to worse’

egional cash-strapped airline LIAT may be on the verge of collapse, again.

With negotiations between majority shareholder Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda having completely broken down, there are suggestions that only a miracle will prevent the cashstrapped airline’s operations from crashing.

It would, however, not be

the first time the airline has looked set to be permanently grounded, as back in April Chairman of LIAT shareholders Dr. Ralph Gonsalves had expressed fears that its closure was “imminent”.

Labour sources close to government told Barbados TODAY they had recently been informed that the situation regarding LIAT had gone from

“bad to worse”. The source explained that during the recent negotiations between Barbados and Antigua, held over three months, the other shareholder governments made no financial contribution to the airline’s upkeep, as they expected a decision to be reached.

“During the negotiations, nothing was done to keep LIAT in the air, which means that

NOTICE GOVERNMENT OF SAINT LUCIA MINISTRY OF EQUITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE, EMPOWERMENT, YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, SPORTS, CULTURE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT BASIC NEEDS TRUST FUND 9 - PROJECT INVITATION TO BID –WORKS CONTRACT

there has been no financial aid to LIAT in the last few months,” the well-placed source said.

The airline’s bid to stay in the air will be high on the agenda at its Annual General Meeting early next month. “If something significant doesn’t happen at that meeting LIAT will almost certainly collapse,” the source predicted.

The source said that a deal between Barbados and Antigua and Barbuda had seemed imminent at one point, when, back in July during a meeting at the Hilton Barbados Hotel, Antigua and Barbuda’s negotiation team, which included two government ministers, had agreed almost fully to Barbados’ request to take over LIAT’s US$44 million in debt in exchange for its 49.4 per cent majority stake.

experience; three (3) years of which have been spent in works of an equivalent nature and scope, including not less than two (2) years as a Manager, for each Package; and

7.

Eligible contractors are required to submit full qualification information outlining: (1) their experience and record on similar projects, (2) financial capacity, (3) qualifications and experience of supervising personnel, (4) equipment capabilities and details of any ongoing projects in which they may be presently involved. (5) Projects previously or currently subject to litigation.

8.

Qualification information is to be submitted in the English language and presented on the prescribed forms contained in the Bid Document.

Submissions which do not provide the information required, or do not demonstrate the prospective contractor’s ability to perform satisfactorily, will not qualify and will not be considered for further evaluation

9.

Bidding Documents may be obtained by eligible bidders from the first address below for a non-refundable fee of Three Hundred and Fifty; East Caribbean dollars (EC$350.00). Requests may be made by written application including email. Written applications must be clearly marked:

1. The Government of Saint Lucia (GOSL) has secured a Grant from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) towards the cost of the implementation of the Ninth Basic Needs Trust Fund Programme (BNTF 9) and now intends to apply part of the funds to cover eligible payments arising out of a number of sub-projects in Education, Human Resource Development, Water and Sanitation Services and Basic Community Access and Drainage to be implemented in 2019 and 2020. Payment by SSDF on behalf of will be made upon approval by CDB, and will be subject, in all respects, to the terms and conditions of the Grant Agreement. The Grant Agreement prohibits a withdrawal from the Grant Account for the purpose of any payment to persons or entities, or for any import of goods, if such payment or import, to the knowledge of CDB, is prohibited by a decision of the United Nations Security Council taken under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations. No party other than GOSL shall derive any rights from the Grant Agreement or have any claim to the proceeds of the Grant.

along with the name, address and contact information of the bidder for which Bidding Documents are being requested. Payment should be by wire transfer, bank draft or bank guaranteed cheque made payable to: St. Lucia Social Development Fund – BNTF.

2.

Information to pay by wire transfer can be obtained from the first address below.

The sub-project to be financed include the following

Package Package 6

Sector Education

Sub-Project

Contract Type

Monchy Early Building Childhood Works- New Development Construction Centre

Monchy, Quarter of Gros Islet

4.

SSDF now invites from eligible Contractors seal Bids for the construction of the above works

5.

Consideration of eligibility will be limited to firms or joint ventures of firms which are legally incorporated or otherwise organised in, and have their principal place of business in an eligible member country of CDB and are either:

(a) More than 50% beneficially-owned by a citizen or citizens and/ or a bona fide resident or residents of an eligible country or countries, or by a body corporate or bodies corporate meeting these requirements; or

(b) Owned or controlled by the government of an eligible country

provided that it is legally and financially autonomous and operated under the commercial law of an eligible country and otherwise meets the eligibility requirements of the CDB Guidelines for Procurement.

6. The requirements for qualification must include inter alia evidence of:

(a) An average annual turnover (defined as billing for works in

progress and completed) over the last five years: and (b) Demonstrable cash flow including access to credit as follows:

(c) Experience as a prime contractor in the construction of at least two assignments of a nature and complexity comparable to the proposed project activity within the last ten years (to comply with this requirement, works quoted should be at least 80 percent complete) for each Contract;

(d) Project Management Team or key personnel with five (5) years’

The lone request from Barbados which had not been completely agreed to was that if layoffs were to happen in Barbados, its government would have to be notified beforehand.

However, on return to Antigua and Barbuda, the negotiated position was dismissed by Prime Minister Gaston Browne who reportedly said he would not agree to those terms if the debt had to be taken over.

The source said Barbados had no intention of selling its majority shares in LIAT if it meant it would still have to repay its debt.

A LIAT collapse would mean that future air travel in the region could possibly be split between several airlines, according to the source.

Earlier this year, Prime Minister Mia Mottley gave LIAT’s continued lack of profitability and Barbados’ reluctance to continue to prop it up, as key to this country’s willingness to give up its majority shareholding. While admitting the regional airline was in a need of an overhaul, the Prime Minister promised Barbados would continue to support intraregional travel.

“The current model which LIAT has within 1974 limited is not an attractive model and what is needed is significant restructuring, indeed a new model of governance, a new financial model and a new operational model in order for it to be able to extract greater benefits and provide the services which it does,” the Prime Minister said at the time.

Efforts to reach Attorney General Dale Marshall, Barbados’ lead negotiator, and Minister of Tourism and International Transport Kerrie Symmonds for comments were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

--Barbados Today

As Trump weighs options, Iranian official warns of 'all-out war' if US or Saudi Arabia attacks

“Request for Bidding Documents for the: Construction of Monchy Early Childhood Development Centre, Gros Islet”

Applicants who request that documents be forwarded to them must submit an account number from a local courier agent that accepts freight collect charges.

Documents will be promptly dispatched, but under no circumstance will The GoSL, SSDF or BNTF or their authorised agent be held responsible for late delivery or loss of the documents so transmitted.

Location

3. The St. Lucia Social Development Fund (SSDF) is implementing the sub projects.

september 21, 2019 THE STAR

www.stluciastar.com

Submissions in sealed envelopes clearly marked: “Bid for the Construction of the Monchy Early Childhood Development Centre, Gros Islet must be received at the first address below not later than 2:00 PM on Tuesday 8th October, 2019. Bidders in the construction of their bids should consider engagement of human resources from within the beneficiary communities.

Bid opening will take place immediately after the deadline for submission, at the first address below in the presence of bidders representatives who choose to attend. Qualification information only must be simultaneously submitted by email to the second address below.

Bid documents for the sub-project will not be available ten (10) days) prior to the Bid submission deadline.

All bids must be accompanied by a Bid Security of: Three thousand Five hundred and fifty East Caribbean dollars (EC$ 3,500.00).

GoSL, and SSDF reserves the right to accept or reject any bid, and to annul the process and reject all bids, at any time prior to award of contract, without thereby incurring any liability to the affected prospective bidder(s) or any obligation to inform the affected prospective bidder(s) of the grounds for GoSl, and SSDF action. GoSL and SSDF will not defray any costs incurred by any bidder in the preparation of bids.

Payments can be made in local currency. *NB. EC equivalent of the quoted USD amount is at a conversion rate of $2.6949 EC, fees and security payments can be made in ECD equivalent 10. Addresses for Correspondence

1. Project Manager

Basic Needs Trust Fund Project St. Lucia Social Development Fund Unit 10 Colony House

John Compton Highway P.O. Box Choc 8180 Castries Tel: 1(758) 452-6699, 458-1483, 452-4316 Email: info@slusdf.net; chippolyte@slusdf.net / bntfproj@candw.lc Copied: Executive Director

St. Lucia Social Development Fund

2. Caribbean Development Bank C/o Procurement Policy Unit Caribbean Development Bank P.O. Box 408 Wildey St. Michael BARBADOS, W.I. Tel: + (246) 431-1600 Fax: + (246) 426-7269 procurement@caribank.org

I

ran’s foreign minister on Thursday warned of “all-out war” if the US or Saudi Arabia attacked Tehran in retaliation for its alleged role in the crippling strikes on Saudi oil facilities last weekend. "We don’t want war,” Javad Zarif told CNN in an interview that aired Thursday morning. "But we won’t blink to defend our territory."

Zarif's remarks come as the Trump administration weighs a series of options to respond to drone and missile strikes on Saudi Arabia’s oil infrastructure.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo called the attack an “act of war” on Wednesday as he travelled to the region.

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he wants a "peaceful" solution to a stand-off with Iran, but is also prepared to invoke military action in the wake of an attack on Saudi oil facilities.

"If we can have a peaceful solution, that's good.

It's possible that that won't happen," Trump told Fox & Friends in a Thursday interview broadcast Friday. "But there's never been a stronger country militarily."

Saturday's strikes hit the Abqaiq oil processing plant and a Saudi oil field, where about 5.7 million barrels of oil are produced each day. The attacks disrupted more than 5% of the world's daily supply.

Pompeo slammed Zarif's comments as he wrapped up a series of meetings with leaders in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to discuss a possible response to strikes on Saudi's oil infrastructure.

“I was here in an act of diplomacy while the foreign minister of Iran is threatening all-out war and to fight to the last American," Pompeo told reporters Thursday before leaving the UAE for Washington. "We’re here to build out a coalition aimed at achieving . . . a peaceful resolution to this."

Critics said Trump's aggressive sanctions have caused the crisis, and Iran lashes out in response to what it calls "economic warfare." Democrats in Congress warned that a military strike could lead to all-out war. They said Trump should seek congressional authorization before taking any such step.

--USA Today

THE STAR SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

www.stluciastar.com

Taiwan loses another ally as Kiribati cuts ties

T

he Pacific island nation of Kiribati has become the second country this week to sever ties with Taiwan and switch diplomatic recognition to China. The move comes four days after the Solomon Islands cut ties, leaving Taiwan with fewer allies in the region.

Beijing considers Taiwan to be a part of China and says it should unite with the Chinese mainland. Only 15 countries now recognise the selfgoverning territory of Taiwan as a sovereign nation.

Taiwanese Foreign Minister Joseph Wu said Beijing had used “dollar diplomacy” to poach one of Taiwan’s last remaining allies by providing funds to procure several aeroplanes and ferries. China is trying to “suppress and reduce Taiwan’s international presence” and “ultimately destroy Taiwan’s sovereignty”, Mr Wu said.

Since Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen was elected in

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Jospeh Wu says Beijing has used “dollar diplomacy” to poach one of Taiwan’s last remaining allies.

2016, Taiwan has lost seven diplomatic allies. She is seeking re-election in January. China has proposed that Taiwan be governed under a “one country, two systems” structure similar to Hong Kong.

“The more Taiwan shows that it’s not being intimidated,

the more it frustrates China’s scheme,” Yun-kung Ting, a spokesman for Taiwan’s presidential office, is quoted as saying by Reuters news agency.

Mr Wu said Kiribati’s president had asked Taiwan to donate money to purchase commercial aeroplanes.

Taipei assessed its finances and declined, but offered to give preferential loans instead. Those countries that have remained loyal to Taiwan are in Latin America and the Pacific, and the only European state to still do so is the Vatican. Taiwan has been a de facto sovereign nation since the end of a civil war in 1949, but it has never formally declared independence from the mainland.

Beijing is expected to keep wooing away more allies in coming days, ahead of two big events.

One is China’s 1 October National Day celebration of the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and the other is Taiwan’s January presidential race.

Some analysts believe Chinese President Xi Jinping is also trying to deflect attention from his two biggest headaches—the trade war and Hong Kong.

ExxonMobil strikes oil again D

irector, Department of Energy, Dr. Mark Bynoe, on Monday, announced that ExxonMobil made an oil discovery on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana at the Tripletail-1 well in the Turbot area. This well was being drilled by the Tom Madden drill ship.

This discovery adds to the previously announced estimated recoverable resource of more than six billion oil-equivalent barrels on the Stabroek Block.

“This is another major development for the Cooperative Republic of Guyana which, along with 14 other oil discoveries, has the potential to advance the country’s economy and propel it towards impactful and sustained development.

The Department of Energy (DE) continues to be encouraged by the prolific rate of discovery of high-quality hydrocarbons offshore Guyana as the discoveries add to the further de-risking of this play type in the deep and ultra-deep zones,” Dr. Bynoe said.

The Tripletail-1 well is located approximately three miles (five kilometres) northeast of the Longtail discovery. The well was drilled in 6,572 feet (2,003 meters) of water and encountered approximately 108 feet (33 meters) of a highquality oil-bearing sandstone

reservoir.

“This discovery is another indication that Guyana’s future is bright.

But we can only secure that future through stronger collaboration, an improved legislative environment, and a cohesiveness that is more necessary at this time than at any time in our country’s history. The DE, along with its partner institutions, will continue to work assiduously and efficiently to ensure that we extract the best value from these resources for our nation and people,” the Energy Director said.

On completion of the operations at Tripletail, the Noble Tom Madden drill ship will next drill the Uaru-1 well, located approximately six miles (10 kilometres) east of the Liza field.

With this new find, ExxonMobil is expected to continue to move forward exploration and development activities elsewhere on the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana. The Stena Carron drill ship is currently drilling the Ranger-2 well and upon completion will conduct a well test at Yellowtail-1. The Bible Bod Doglas drill ship is currently completing development drilling operations for the Liza Phase 1

The Noble Tom Madden drill ship.

project.

ExxonMobil will add a fourth drill ship, the Noble Don Taylor, in October 2019 as the company continues to optimize its drilling plans, based on well results and the ongoing study of the basin.

Previously, ExxonMobil announced plans to have at least five FPSO vessels on the Stabroek Block, which will produce more than 750,000 barrels of oil per day by 2025.

The Liza Phase 1 development is on track to start-up by early 2020 and will produce up to 120,000 barrels of oil per day, utilizing the Liza Destiny FPSO.

ExxonMobil approved funding for the Liza Phase 2 development after it received government and regulatory approvals in May 2019.

Plans are in train to startup by mid-2022, using the Liza Unity FPSO to produce up to 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

Further, pending government approvals, a third development, the Payara startup, could be as early as 2023 and production is expected to reach an estimated 220,000 barrels of oil per day.

The Stabroek Block is 6.6 million acres (26,800 square kilometres). ExxonMobil affiliate Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited is the operator and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block. Hess Guyana Exploration Limited holds 30 per cent interest and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, holds 25 per cent interest.

international 17 ST. LUCIA CO-OPERATIVE CREDIT UNION LEAGUE LIMITED PEOPLE HELPING PEOPLE VACANCY

GENERAL MANAGER

The St. Lucia Co-operative Credit Union League Limited (SLCCULL) is seeking applications from suitably qualified persons to fill the post of General Manager.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITY Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the General Manager shall be responsible for ensuring good governance structure for resilience related to profitability, sustainability and continuity.

Ensure that the institution is driven by adequate and relevant procedures, policies and or manuals in keeping with cooperative principles and the Credit Union philosophy. Be responsible for the development and implementation of an effective enterprise risk management and compliance systems within the League and maintaining an appropriate compliance culture. Additionally, the General Manager shall be responsible for developing strategies that reflect the vision, mission and values of the League as stated in the By-Laws.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES • Ensure that the operations of the League are in compliance

with established Co-operative principles, the Co-operative

Societies Act and Co-operative Societies Regulations, the

By-Laws of the League, and the Labour Laws of Saint Lucia.

• Ensure that the League is fully compliant with all regulatory

and legislative requirements related to risk and compliance.

• Maintain effective working relationships with all Affiliates

of the League, OECS Credit Union Leagues, the Caribbean

Confederation of Credit Unions and the World Council of

Credit Unions.

• Monitor and measure; and report various risks within the

Credit Union Movement.

• Establish and monitor benchmark and limits for the control of various risks including credit, operational, liquidity,

interest rate, foreign exchange, insurance, and compliance to

limit impact on capital.

• Ensure security measures are met and internal control

procedures are followed to minimize risks and reduce non compliance.

• Report to and liaise with the regulatory authorities on

relevant matters.

• Liaising with Government Ministries on co-operatives and

finance matters.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience • Minimum of a recognised Bachelor’s Degree in Business

Administration, Finance, accounting, auditing or related

field plus five (5) years related experience and or training; or its equivalent from an accredited institution in

Management Studies with a focus on Behavioural Science

field of study.

• Knowledge of the credit union movement, compliance,

risk management, risk assessment techniques, co-operative

principles, values and regulations, Co-operative Societies

Act, accounting standards, AML/ CFT issues within the

financial sector.

• Operational and project risk assessment skills.

• Ability to work accurately with fixed and short timeframes.

Behavioural Skills • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work well with a

wide range of people.

• Good leadership and motivation skills and abilities.

• Good verbal, written communication and presentation skills

and abilities.

• Good organizational and analytical skills and abilities.

• Advanced computer skills, knowledge and abilities of

Microsoft Office Suite, AML, and risk simulation programmes.

• Ability to be pro-active regarding decision making; be result

and quality oriented and be innovative in approach to

business decisions.

Applications can be submitted: via email to admin@sluccull.com Deadline for submission: September 30th, 2019.

Applications must be addressed to: Secretary, Board of Directors St. Lucia Co-operative Credit Union League Limited # 8 William Peter Boulevard P.O. Box 1535, Castries

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

THE STAR

HEALTH

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

KIM’S KORNER

D

Bare Bones!

id you know babies are born with 270 bones?

By the time they reach adulthood, however, this number has decreased to around 206.

This is because as a person grows, certain bones fuse and become one. Our bones act as a frame for the attachment of muscles and together they give us our solid upright posture and allow us to move around. Our bones also provide a protective shell around our vital organs, contain marrow where blood cells are created, and store minerals such as calcium and phosphorous.

Bones vary in shape and size. The largest bone is the femur, which is found in the leg, and the shortest is the stapes, in the ear. The long bones support our weight and help with movement. Short bones found in the foot and hand interact to provide not only stability but movements that

allow manipulation. Flat bones, such as teh skull and pelvis, usually protect our vital organs.

The scapula, together with the clavicle (collar bone) and humerus, forms the complex shoulder joint. The scapula is a thin triangular bone that lies flat against the upper back.

It provides attachment of the muscles of the shoulder to improve the stability of the fragile joint and movement of the arm. The shoulder has sacrificed joint stability for movement and these smaller stability muscles, known as the rotator cuff, assist in holding the head of the humerus in place when performing the large movements of the arm.

The arm has so much range that it appears to be able to do movements of 360 degrees in front, by the side and overhead.

All this is made possible by the shallow joint and interaction of the muscles and

the movement of the clavicle, scapula and humerus. In order to facilitate in this wide range of motion, the shoulder has to perform the movements of elevation, depression, retraction, protraction, and also upward and downward rotation.

A good example of the role of the scapula can be seen when we throw a ball overhead.

In order to achieve the perfect throw we need power, speed and accuracy. The scapula provides stability; it allows the arm to be pulled back, in preparation for the throw. This creates the explosive phase of acceleration. The rhythm and ratio of the scapula and humerus are the key to all movement, especially overhead movements.

If the scapula is not functioning correctly it can cause problems, not only with the shoulder and overhead activities like throwing, reaching and lifting,

YOGA AND STANDING POSES

T

he goal of Yoga is to align and harmonize the physical body and all the layers of the subtle emotional, mental and spiritual body.

Yoga is about building strength, flexibility and balance in body and mind. To do this we begin with standing poses.

These teach us that we often don’t stand properly. Most people stand with the weight on the outside of the feet, throwing the weight into the knees, hips and back. Some stand so the ankles roll in and the knees turn out, causing knee issues. The entire body is affected by the way that we stand on our feet.

Tadasana—Mountain pose —is the basic standing pose in Yoga. We start with the feet positioned hip distance apart and the outer feet parallel to one another. Here we begin to understand the body, the alignment of the body and balance. Tadasana teaches stability, mobility, lightness and energy of the body.

We learn to stand on the four corners of the feet: the big toe ball mounds, the little toe side of the ball of the foot, the inner heal and outer heal. This lifts the arches of the feet. As we press into the feet we lift the knees and thighs to firm the legs; this helps to strengthen

and bring alignment to the legs.

We then lift the chest, roll the shoulders back and stretch the arms toward the floor. This makes space around the heart and lungs so that they work more efficiently. The lifting of the chest and lengthening of the torso also creates space within the inner organs of the body.

The work of the feet lays the foundation for the work of the legs, the pelvis girdle, the the shoulder girdle, the torso and the spine.

In Tadasana we also see that in this basic standing pose the mind oscillates. Standing quietly, looking straight ahead, we feel the inner swaying between the right foot and the left. It isn’t easy to quiet this oscillation but, through the practice of Yoga, it is possible.

When you cannot hold the body still, you can’t hold the

brain still. When the brain is still, we are moving closer to the intelligence. We want to feel an acute awareness of the sensations of the body in the pose. As this happens the mind becomes passive and we start to become aware of the state of meditation in the pose.

Standing in Tadasana, the student becomes aware of the body and the limbs. It teaches the connection of the feet to the legs, legs to the pelvis, pelvis to the spine, the chest, and to the shoulders and the head.

This is the beginning of learning conscious movement and a sensitivity and awareness of the alignment of the body.

“An asana is not a posture which you assume mechanically. It involves thought at the end of which a balance is achieved between movement and resistance.”

-- BKS Iyengar Jill Hagar is a certified instructor of Iyengar Yoga and a certified International Yoga Therapist.

She holds regular Yoga classes at Harmony Suites in Rodney Bay. For more information about classes please contact Jill by phone or WhatsApp on (758) 718 1297 or by email on yogastlucia@gmail.com

The scapula, also known as the shoulder bone or blade, connects the humerus with the clavicle.

but also to the neck. This is because the muscles and ligaments of the shoulder attach to the humerus and scapula and the muscles of the neck attach to the clavicle, which is attached to the scapula. The scapula, could suffer an injury but weakness and altered muscle function can also impact function and movement.

Injuries to the scapula can be due to a fractured bone but this is rare, due to the shape and position of the bone, and accounts for about 1% of all bone fractures. If the scapula fractures, it is usually caused by severe trauma that typically involves the chest as well.

The most common problems

affecting the scapula usually result from dysfunction of the muscles and/or nerves but these may not be noticeable until movement is affected. The most common signs of an injury to the scapula are: • Pain or tenderness on the

19

top or inner edge of the scapula; • A feeling of weakness and heaviness when trying to use the arm; • The arm quickly fatigues on repetitive movements, especially when raised above the head; • Crunching and snapping when moving the arm; • The scapula wings (not sitting flat against the rib cage); • Asymmetrical positioning of the scapula—one side may be lower or tilted.

So, next time you feel a twinge in your shoulder and neck take a moment to think about your scapula. Is your posture good? Are your shoulders even?

Is your scapula sitting as it should? The body is complex and the relationship between the scapula and the shoulder is a perfect example of the wonderful interaction that is dependent on correct alignment, flexibility, and muscle balance and power.

Kim Jackson is a UK-trained physiotherapist with over 20 years’ experience. She specialises in musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction including back pain and sciatica, stroke and other neuro conditions plus sports physiotherapy, having worked with local, regional and international athletes and teams treating injuries and analysing biomechanics to improve function and performance. She is registered with the Allied Health Council and is a member of PASL. She currently works at Bayside Therapy Services in Rodney Bay, O: 458 4409 or C: 284 5443; www.baysidetherapyservices.com

Request for Proposal The Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. invites suitably qualified bidders to submit

a proposal for Facilities Management & Warehousing Please contact Events Company of St. Lucia Inc. at (758) 458-6076 or visit our website at eventssaintlucia.com for detailed guidelines and submission details for the above-mentioned service.

The deadline for receipt of proposals is Friday, October 26th, 2019

20 SPORTS

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

Baby Bees - the future of rugby

By David R Pascal

T

hey call themselves the Baby Bees but, if things go according to plan, they will cause quite a buzz in years to come with the St Lucia Rugby Football Union (SLRFU).

The Baby Bees were recently practising at the La Clery playing field under the watchful eyes of Vice President of the SLRFU, Lyndel Norville and Organiser of Baby Bees rugby for children, Mina Espeleta.

What are the Baby Bees all about? Norville said: “It has been an ongoing programme we’ve had for a little while, trying to get youngsters from the age of five and up involved in getting a feel for what rugby is all about?

Particpants who attended

St Lucia Rugby Football Union officals and parents with Baby Bees players.

practices on a regular basis and maintained a high academic standard were rewarded prior to the practice session. Five youngsters were presented with school bags.

“It’s an initiative that we looked at, where persons who attended training on a

regular basis and continue their academic performance off the field get recognized,” said Norville. “In the past we also made presentations to parents who received bursaries for their children.

Again it is another one of these things we hope to continue. We

are not just about the sport of rugby, but looking at the person as a whole in terms of what else they are looking to pursue to keep this family of rugby players together.

Espeleta, along with her friend Signa President, started

Mina Espeleta (right) at a training session with the Baby Bees.

Baby Bees rugby three years ago. While the adult rugby games and practices were taking place, they noticed there were quite a few children on the sidelines, watching. The SLRFU took note and they are now

members.

She admits that it has been slow getting more players to come out, but expects numbers to increase when the Baby Bees rugby creates even a bigger buzz.

Cameron Bellamy completes Challenging Swim

O

n Friday, September 13, at 8:20 am, with a crowd standing, Cameron Bellamy stepped into the waters at St Peter’s Bay, Barbados. This may have been an ordinary start for open water swimming, but this was not planned as an ordinary swim. Bellamy’s challenge was to swim from Barbados to Saint lucia - a 94 mile expanse of open sea.

This was not the original swim that Bellamy had been planning for eight months.

He had intended to swim from Havana, Cuba to Key West, Florida but, just three weeks ago, this challenge was officially called off due to permit regulation changes for the support boat. However, Bellamy had already been considering other possible routes and came up with his Plan B—Barbados to Saint Lucia!

With a comparable distance and never having been attempted, Plan B started to quickly become Plan A for Bellamy and his support crew. He had a team from Swim Barbados, headed

by Kristina Evelyn, behind him and received extra assistance from the St Lucia Channel Swim organisers.

Beach, there was no physical way for Cameron to walk onto the beach with the strong current from the southeast.

Instead, at 4:43 pm, after 56 hours 26 minutes (unofficial) of swimming, Bellamy touched a rock at Moule-a-Chique in Vieux Fort.

Waiting on the fisheries dock in Vieux Fort for Bellamy and crew was his mother, Janita Bellamy, and the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Allen Chastenet. Along with them were hundreds of well-wishers to welcome this amazing

athlete to our beautiful island, including a representative from the Saint Lucia Hospitality and Tourism Association and Bay Gardens Resorts, Sanovnik Destang; members of the St Lucia Aquatics Federation; members of the press; and the finest of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force.

With the general public standing on the jetties and docks, a Marine Police vessel escorted in the catamaran, showing how loving Saint Lucians really are!

Cameron Bellamy and crew.

Together they enabled the swim to come to fruition.

The original start date for the swim was Sunday, September 15. but, with a weather system affecting the region, the date was brought forward to Friday 13. Expecting the swim to take 55 to 65 hours, Bellamy anxiously trained for weeks in Barbados, completing three 24hour swims.

When Bellamy started this historic swim, a buzz filled the air. The international open

water community, as well as the region, were all amazed at what Bellamy was attempting to achieve. With Mother Nature doing her part, the swim went on, with calm seas and waters throughout the day and full moonlight at night.

Bellamy entered Saint Lucia waters overnight and, at dawn on Sunday, September 15, he and his support team could see the coast of Saint Lucia about 30 miles out. The sight of land for the first time in 35-40 hours

not only made the crew smile, but gave Bellamy the push he needed to get to the coast.

As the day progressed, with a swift current, the expected “touch” time went from 8:00 pm to 6:00 pm to somewhere between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The current was pulling so strong that the intended landing spot of Sandy Beach was not appropriate and a new site had to be identified. Although there was a growing crowd at Sandy

Cameron Bellamy taking his final break.

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SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

21

West Indies Women dig deep but Aussies take 2-0 lead to clinch T20I Series

A

Britney Cooper had a knock of 39 for West Indies.

St Lucian Hotelier congratulates Endurance Athlete on Historic Swim

S

aint Lucian hotelier Sanovnik Destang applauded South African endurance athlete Cameron Bellamy for his record-setting swim from Barbados to Saint Lucia over the weekend.

Destang, Executive Director of Bay Gardens Resorts, described Bellamy’s completion of the longest channel swim in history, of more than 150km (93 miles) of open ocean, as “nothing short of heroic”.

“This is an inspiration to athletes worldwide, but especially to our local Saint Lucian swimmers, who can see what’s possible with disciplined training and a tough mental set,” commented Destang, whose Bay Gardens Resorts are hosting Bellamy, his mother and the support team, for their visit.

Bellamy, who had previously swum the English

Channel, started his 57-hour continuous swim from St. Peter’s Bay, Barbados on the morning of Friday, September 13, making landfall in Saint Lucia at 5pm last Sunday, a day earlier than expected.

After maintaining a strict drinking and feeding regimen during the swim, Bellamy was monitored at Tapion Hospital as he recuperated.

Destang, whose son is a national youth swimmer, said the historic swim was a special moment in Caribbean sports. “Giving your all and pushing yourself to the limit are lessons from which many of us in Saint Lucia, Barbados and the Caribbean can learn,” he said.

The South African athlete raises funds through Ubunye Challenge, a charity he founded in 2011. Ubunye means “Unity” in Xhosa, the language in the

Eastern Cape where Ubunye does most of its work. Ubunye supports and enables some of the poorest and most underdeveloped rural areas of South Africa and Zimbabwe, and is now extending its work to the Caribbean.

Growing up relatively privileged in Cape Town, South Africa, Bellamy was moved by the fact that all over South Africa many children his age could not attend school. His memory led him to found Ubunye in 2011 and to use his athletic feats to raise funds for the charity.

In the Caribbean, his swim will benefit United Through Sport in Saint Lucia, which educates children through sports, and AC Graham Development Centre in Barbados, which teaches skills to differently abled children. charity.

ustralia took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match T20 International Series, when they defeated the West Indies Women by nine wickets at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.

The start of the match was delayed by an hour due to consistently light rain. Australia won the toss and sent the West Indies Women in to bat first. It was a comedy of errors that did not end well for the West Indies Women, as three run-outs stifled their innings, resulting in a low total. Britney Cooper and Kyshona Knight started a steady foundation of the innings, with Britney looking fearless in her stroke play.

With 30 runs on the board, Knight was the first to go, caught for six. Cooper was settled and set to score her second T20I half-century, but backing up too far down the wicket saw her run out when Ash Gardner deflected a return shot from Stacy Ann King straight on to the stumps,

T

running her out for 39.

It was then a progression of wickets as the West Indies Women went from 30/1 to 64/7.

Chinelle Henry and Shanika Gajnabi stitched together a salvaging partnership of 23 runs in the later stages of the innings.

The West Indies Women posted 97/9 from their 20 overs.

Henry finished on 21 not out and Shamilia Connell on 1 not out.

Jess Jonassen finished with 2/19 while Ash Gardener had 1/12, bowling for Australia.

The Aussies made easy work of the target, ending on 98/1 in 14.3 overs. Alyssa Healy finished on 58 not out while captain Meg Lanning finished on 22 not out.

Afy Fletcher took the lone Australian wicket. Ending with figures of 1/13 from her four overs.

Henry had to be stretchered off during her second over bowling for the West Indies Women, when she

tweaked her knee. She played no further part in the match, with the team’s physiotherapist indicating that she would be all right in the coming days.

Speaking after the match, West Indies Women’s Head Coach Henderson Springer said: “To me it was very disappointing. We didn’t hit many of our targets; some poor decision making with the three run-outs we had. It’s not something we would ever want to repeat while playing.”

Henderson continued: “I think we could have played a lot better and we need to in the last match coming up on Wednesday. Despite the rain earlier in the day, we still had a full 20-over match, so it should not have hampered the focus, but unfortunately we didn’t put up the score we wanted.

We have one more match in this series, and we will rebuild again, because it’s a long road and a hard road and the girls have got to resurrect that fight.”

Football Scores and Highlights

he first match of the mid-week edition of the preliminary round in the Blackheart Knockout Football competition was played at the Philip Marcellin Grounds in Vieux Fort on Wednesday, September 18.

Castries jumped to an early 1–0 lead against their opponents, Roseau Valley, and held on to that slender lead until the conclusion of the first half. On the resumption, Roseau came all out in search of the equalizer but, try as they might, the lads from Castries held on strongly to advance to the next round with their 1–0 victory.

In the second game, which started at 8:15 pm, La Clery drew first blood with a goal

by Craig Elidor to end the first half with a 1–0 lead over Vieux Fort North. In the second half, Vieux Fort North were presented with two clear opportunities to score

but secured no further goals.

La Clery held on to their 1–0 advantage to march on to the next round.

To date, the following teams have qualified for the next round: Central Castries, Dennery, Desruisseaux, Laborie, La Clery, Mabouya Valley, Micoud, Vieux Fort South.

The five-day Referee Course facilitated under the Referee Assistance Programme (RAP) got underway at the Saint Lucia Football Association Inc (SLFA) headquarters in La Clery on Thursday, September 19. The course was facilitated by FIFA Technical Instructor Victor Stewart and Javier Santos of FIFA Referees Department. It focused on both the physical and technical development. Instructions took the form of classroom and field exercises.

We now take a look at the points standings to date in the Safe Spaces Peace Football

League sponsored by Bank of Saint Lucia, Blue Waters and the SLFA: Male Division, Group A: Rose Hill – 3 points; Fire Service – 3 points; La Clery – 3 points.

Group B: Faux a Chaud – 3 points; Agard – 3 points; Marchand – 3 points.

Group C: Boulevard – 6 points; Trois Piton – 3 points; Wilton’s Yard – 1 point.

Group D: Georgville – 3 points; Bois Den – 3 points.

A total of 75 goals have been scored in the male division.

Female Division: Conway – 7 points, with two wins and a draw; Marchand – 4 points, with one win and a draw; CDC – 3 points, with one win.

A total of 35 goals have been scored in the female division. The leading goal scorer is Frankie Willie from Marchand with nine goals, followed by Lisa Evelyn of Conway with three goals.

22

sports

West Indies Under-19 Rising Stars Training Camp T

he West Indies Under-19 Rising Stars continue their preparation for the ICC Under-19 World Cup in South Africa in January 2020, with a 10-day camp in Antigua from September 13 to 23. Following the camp, a squad will be selected to participate in the first ever tri-nation Under-19 Rising Stars OneDay International Series, to be hosted in the Caribbean against England and Sri Lanka from December 6 to 21.

Twenty-one players have been selected by Cricket West Indies (CWI) for this camp, primarily based on performances in the West Indies Under-19 Rising Stars Championship held in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

CWI has also included three players who participated in July’s West Indies Under-17 Rising Stars Championship in Trinidad and Tobago.

West Indies Under-19 Coach and CWI High Performance Manager, Graeme West, on the aims and objectives of the training camp: “The 10-day camp will focus on getting the players to understand the game strategies required to win an ICC Under-19 World Cup. We will be looking to establish player roles and the specific skills they will require to deliver winning performances. The skill work at the camp will be focused on producing greater consistency and efficiency for all situations.”

He continued: “We will work through game scenarios to build greater game awareness and understanding. Additional practice matches will be played to assess the progress that has been made and the learning that took place at the trial matches in St. Vincent.

“It’s also important that we formulate team values which underpin the behaviour, mindset and performance of the squad on and off the field.”

Coach West shone the spotlight on some players from the Under-19 set-up, for the Caribbean cricket public to look out for, based on his work with

SEPTEMBER 21, 2019 THE STAR

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Coach West, CWI President Ricky Skerritt and Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams further addressed the significance of West Indies hosting the TriSeries for the Under-19s Rising Stars.

“The fact that we are hosting the Tri-Series is quite a breakthrough for the programme," said West. “It will be very competitive cricket, which the team needs before the World Cup. The Sri Lankan and English styles will be contrasting and provide our players with a different kind of challenge to those faced in regional cricket.”

Director of Cricket Jimmy Adams: "This is a great opportunity for our Under-19 players to be involved in a Tri-Series just prior to the World Cup. For England and Sri Lanka to have seen similar benefit in accepting the invitation, points to the value of the tournament beyond our borders. It also will mean the opportunity to tour their countries in reciprocal agreements in the future and these tours will have a St Lucia's Kimani Melius (pictured) is attending the role to play in the ongoing West Indies Under-19 Rising Stars training camp. development of our young players.” these young players during the range of attacking options. He is President Ricky Skerritt: last 12 months. certainly a player that can take “It’s is a major step in our

“Kimani Melius, who is advantage of the first powerplay preparation for the World Cup the only player with first-class and lay down a firm foundation and demonstrates another experience in the squad; and for his side.” example of our “Cricket First” with Leonardo Julien and

The three Under-17s plan and how we will be Jayden Seales they are three selected for the camp are committing greater investment players who were part of the Barbados all-rounder Jaden into youth development for CWI Development Team that Leocock, who received the future returns and our longplayed in last year’s Super50, so Most Valuable Player award term success.” they are the three senior players at the Under-17 Rising Stars

The West Indies Rising in the set-up,'' said West.

Championship, 15-year old Stars Under 19, 21-man camp

He continued: “From seamer and fellow Barbadian squad comprises: Kevlon the trial games at the end Che Simmons, and middle order Anderson, Daniel Beckford, of the Under-19 Rising Stars batsman Teddy Bishop from Teddy Bishop (Under-17 player), Championship, left arm seamer Windward Islands/Grenada.

Matthew Comerie, Matthew Ramon Simmonds is someone

West, on the three Forde, Elroy Francis, Leonardo that stands out. He had batsmen selected: “The three Under-17 Julien, Avinash Mahabirsingh, jumping around with his pace Rising Stars players have shown Nico Reifer, Matthew Patrick, and aggression and I am sure great potential this summer Kirk McKenzie, Kimani Melius, he will excite Windies fans. and have earned their places Antonio Morris, Ashmead Need,

“Successful one-day teams at the training camp. They will Rivaldo Ramlogan, Jayden are often built around positive benefit from entering the High Seales, Ramon Simmonds, opening batsmen and, with Kirk Performance Pathway and are Che Simmons (Under-17 player), McKenzie, the squad possesses fortunate to have two chances Nyeem Young, Jaden Leacock a player with outstanding of playing in an Under-19 world (Under-17 player) and Mbeki ball-striking ability and a wide cup.”

Joseph.

Tallawahs defeat Tridents in first 2019 CPL win

J

amaica Tallawahs registered their first victory in the 2019 Hero Caribbean Premier League (CPL) with a four-wicket beating of Barbados Tridents in the third of five home games here at Sabina Park on Sunday.

Chasing a target of 141, Tallawahs started positively through Chris Gayle (28) and Glenn Phillips (22) in a 48run opening stand, but their demise led to a mini-collapse, before captain Chadwick Walton and Javell Glen steadied the innings with a 45-run sixth-wicket stand.

Scores: Tridents 140-9 (20 overs); Tallawahs 141-6 (18.3 overs).

Walton, who hit the winning run with a six over long on, was unbeaten on 51 off 42, while Glen contributed a brisk 27 off 12, including one boundary and three sixes before falling.

Walton hammered one four and five sixes in his unbeaten knock.

Despite winning with nine balls to spare, Tallawahs remain at the foot of the sixteam standings on two points with an inferior net run rate.

Tridents are in fifth, also on two points.

Earlier, the Tallawahs spinners bowled well in the first six over in laying the platform to restrict Tridents to 140-9 off 20 overs, after being put in to bat.

Only South African JP Duminy (31) and Ashley Nurse (37) offered any resistance for the Tridents, anchoring the innings with a 49-run sixthwicket stand. Nurse had four boundaries and three sixes in his 18-ball knock, while Duminy, the more patient of the two, stroked three boundaries.

Afghanistan wrist spinner Zahir Khan led the Tallawahs bowling with 3-20, while New Zealand's George Worker, 2-16, and young Ramaal Lewis, 2-23, offered strong support.

--Jamaica Observer

Police are SCCA Ten Champions

P

olice are the South Castries Cricket Association (SCCA) Ten champions after defeating Katahars by 29 runs.

Batting first, Police were dismissed for 69 with Alvin Prosper 18, hitting the top score.

In the bowling department, Simeon Dalkhan picked up a hat trick for the Katahars. In reply, Katahars could only muster 40, giving Police first hold of the South Castries Cricket Association 10 Smash Up Trophy.

Earlier, the Katahars had defeated Warriors by nine wickets, and Police had defeated Warriors by 89 runs.

Both of those matches had been rescheduled from the

Saturday as the inclement weather had prevented play.

Following the final, the following awards were presented: Most Runs, Tarryck Gabriel - 110; Most Wickets, Zayee Antoine and Alleyne Prosper – 6; MVP, Tarryck Gabriel; Champions trophy and cheque, Police; Runners Up cheque, Katahars; Third place cheque, Warriors.

In the Veterans T10 Challenge which preceded the final, Northern Veterans defeated a SCCA President’s team by 32 runs. Northern Veterans – 81. Sheldon Thorpe 38, Kim Augustin and Harry Sookwa two wickets each, with one wicket a piece to Philip Dubois and Bryan Calixte. SCCA President’s Team – 49 for 5.

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INVITATION FOR TENDERS

To supply and install broadband equipment for improved internet access at the Upton Garden Girls Center - St. Lucia The National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission invites tenders from eligible telecommunications providers to supply broadband and related services for the establishment of Internet access at the Upton Garden Girls Center - St. Lucia Funding for this project is provided from the Universal Service Fund.

Further information and tender documents may be obtained from: The Universal Service Fund Administrator National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission 1st and 2nd Floor Rajana Building Bois D’Orange, Gros – Islet P.O. Box GM 690 Castries Saint Lucia West Indies Tel: (758)458-2035 E-mail: ntrc_slu@candw.lc cc. Sjones@ectel.int The deadline for the submission of sealed tenders is 12:00p.m, October 31st 2019 at the office of the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission. Late bids will be rejected.

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Driver’s

Epson Stylus Pro 9800 44” large format Printer Price: $1,800.00

A MANUFACTURING COMPANY IN THE SOUTH OF THE ISLAND REQUIRES A

SALES SUPERVISOR / MANAGER FOR RETAIL / COMMERCIAL SALES IN HARDWARE & CONSTRUCTION WITH EXCELLENT INTERPERSONAL SKILLS & 5 YEARS PRIOR SALES EXPERIENCE Salary: basic, commissions, phone & travelling Please send applications to: VACANCY – PO BOX 398 VIEUX FORT ST LUCIA OR EMAIL: hr.info@kplgrouptt.com The deadline for submission is 25th September 2019

Contact #

724 - 2888

Online Classifieds Get maximum exposure for your dollar.

Place your classified ads in the STAR Newspaper and on our website: www.stluciastar.com Call the STAR at 450-7827 and ask for our sales department

A nominal fee of $ 50.00 will be charged for copies of documents.

Wanted

Must Carry E Endorsements Must be experienced over 4 years Manual Driven Vehicles Contact:

450 4001 / 728-9886 for more details.

Call: 720-5041

Land for Sale

Property FOR SALE

6.3 Acres of land suitable for housing development located at Morne Du Don / Balata

(Close proximity to ongoing housing project) Contact

Tel: 285-4005

Spacious,2600 sq ft 3 bedroom house for sale in the Village of Micoud.

Close to everything.

Estimated 10 mins drive from the international airport. open plan Living Area.

Private parking.

Saab convertible 2005 , fully loaded (pristine condition) Suzuki Grand Vitara 2005 in excellent condition.

For further info Contact

1-758-285-4391

www.stluciastar.com

$2.00

Photo by Bill Mortley

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 2019

Is the Mayor On Leave?

S&S

LAYAWAY NOW AVAILABLE AT S&S THE PRICEBUSTERS

PHOTOFRAMES FROM $6 Come and apply for your S & S Loyalty Card

PEN HOLDERS

$1.75

Bois D Orange • Castries • Vieux Fort www.facebook.com/the.pricebusters

I LOVE yOU TEDDy BEAR FROM $6

2020 DIARy

$7.25

SINGLE ROSES FROM $1

UNICORN PENS

$2

Also on special: UNIVERSAL CELL PHONE SCREENS $4, UNIVERSAL BELT CELL PHONE CASES FROM $7,

SELFIE CAMERA LENS $2, SAMSUNG BATTERIES FROM $17, CAR CELL PHONE CHARGER FROM $16, WATCH BATTERIES $1, UNIVERSAL TABLET CASES $8, STANDING CELL PHONE CASES $4, 4GB SD CARDS WITH ADAPTER $16, 16GB FLASH DRIVES $22, UNIVERSAL LAPTOP CHARGERS $47, LAPTOP FANS $24, COMPUTER SPEAKERS $11, BLUETOOTH SPEAKERS FROM $31.

Printed and published by STAR Publishing Co. (1987) Ltd., Rodney Bay Industrial Estate, Massade, Gros Islet, P.O. Box 1146, Castries, St. Lucia, W.I., Tel: (758) 450-7827 Email: info@stluciastar.com Website: www.stluciastar.com